The Indian Army is currently in the process of acquiring new equipment. This initiative comes as a result of a set of new financial powers for urgent procurements endorsed by the Defence Ministry. The emergency financial powers have granted the armed forces the liberty to purchase equipment worth up to ₹300 crore on an expedited basis.
The Two Types of Equipment
There are two key categories of equipment to be procured; Spike-LR Anti-Tank Missiles and Igla-S Very Short Range Air Defence Systems.
Spike-LR Anti-Tank Missiles
An Israeli-origin Product, Spike-LR, is one of the two items to be procured by the Army. An anti-tank missile, it is a convenient anti-armor weapon system with a range spanning up to 4km. Notably, it can work in both fire-and-forget mode and in fire, observe, and update mode using its fiber-optic data link.
Infantry soldiers, swift reaction forces, ground troops, and helicopter aircrew typically use these systems. The Spike system also holds the capability to function in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) mode, enabling the gunner to operate from a sheltered position, enhancing their safety on the field.
Igla-S Very Short Range Air Defence Systems
The second piece of equipment to be acquired is the Igla-S Very Short Range Air Defence System. Developed in Russia, the Igla-S air defense systems, with man-portable systems, will replace the existing Igla-M, which has been a part of the Indian armed forces since the 1980s.
The newer model, Russian-made 9K338 Igla-S man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), or the SA-24, was replaced by the fourth-generation 9K333 Verba man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile in Russia. However, India has elected to utilize an older system, despite Russia being open to supplying India with their latest Verba system.
Key Facts and Figures
| Equipment | Engagement Altitude | Max Engagement Range | Weight of Combat Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Igla-S | 10 to 3500 metre | 6000 meter | Not more than 19 kg |
MANPADS: A Brief Overview
MANPADS, or Man-portable air-defense systems, are surface-to-air missiles light enough for a single person to lift. The system comprises a missile housed in a disposable tube, a grip stock, and a battery used to charge the missile. The nature of this design ensures portability and convenience for soldiers on the battlefield.