Russia's Igla-S Man-Portable Air-Defence System (MANPADS)

The Indian Army (IA) is in advanced negotiations with Russia to acquire assorted weapons and ammunition to overcome enduring shortfalls and ensure operational preparedness along India’s restive border with Pakistan.

Official sources told Jane’s that the IA is seeking launchers and missiles for its 9K338 Igla-S (SA-24 ‘Grinch’) man-portable air-defence systems (MANPADSs), 300 mm rockets for Smerch multiple rocket launch systems, and 125 mm Mango armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot ammunition for T-90S tanks.

Military sources said the equipment and ordnance is expected to be acquired directly by the IA, without Ministry of Defence (MoD) approval, under the recently enhanced financial powers delegated to the vice chiefs of staff of all three Indian military services.