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Russia is ready to supply Igla-S anti-aircraft missile to India. Reuters gave this information on Tuesday quoting Russian news agency TASS. It was told that Russia has signed an agreement to provide Igla-S to India. Besides, an agreement has also been reached regarding the production of Igla under license. It is known that Igla-S is a hand-held anti-aircraft missile. This is a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) that an individual or group can fire to shoot down enemy aircraft.
“We have already signed the relevant document,” said Alexander Mikheyev, head of state arms exporter Rosoboronexport. Now we are going to start production of Igla-S MANPADS in India in collaboration with an Indian private company. Let us tell you that Russia still remains the largest exporter of arms to India. It is true that due to the Ukraine war, some questions have been raised about the Russian Army and its weapons stockpile. Russia has faced strong resistance from Ukraine. However, it should also be remembered that Western countries have been continuously providing arms and ammunition to Kiev.
Russia’s share in India’s arms imports is 45%
Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released data regarding the purchase and sale of arms between India and other countries. According to this, Russia’s share in India’s arms imports between 2018 and 2022 was 45 percent. In this, France contributed 29 percent and the United States contributed 11 percent. Meanwhile, Alexander Mikheyev said Rosoboronexport is working with Indian private and public enterprises on joint production of aviation weapons. Besides, steps will also be taken towards including them in the existing aviation fleet in India.
When will the production of Igla-S start in India?
Citing TASS, the Reuters report said, ‘No information has been given yet as to which Indian companies will be involved in this or when their production will start in India.’ At the same time, the head of the state arms exporter company said that Rosoboronexport and Indian partners have provided Su-30MKI fighter jets, tanks, armored vehicles and shells to the Indian Defense Ministry. Additionally, India and Russia have started joint production of AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles since the beginning of this year.
