Igla-S Missiles Deployed: India Boosts Air Defence Post-Terror Alert

🔹 NEWS DROP — PETAL 018
📅 May 6, 2025
🎯 GS Paper 3 | Defence – Security Challenges & Technology Upgrades

---

🌀 Intro Whisper

In skies now swarmed with shadows and wings without pilots, India raises its shoulder — with a missile that sees heat, and speaks deterrence.

---

🔍 Key Highlights

• India inducts Igla-S Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS) under a ₹260 crore emergency procurement from Russia.
• The Igla-S is a man-portable, shoulder-fired infrared-homing missile designed to engage low-flying aircraft, drones, and helicopters.
• Capabilities:
  • Target range: up to 6 km
  • Altitude: up to 3.5 km
  • Resistant to modern countermeasures
• Forward deployment planned for Western Sector amid increasing drone intrusions from Pakistan.
• Part of broader air defence upgrades, including:
  • Integrated Drone Detection and Interdiction System (IDD&IS)
  • Directed Energy Weapons under development by DRDO
  • Procurement of low-level transportable radar systems
• Signifies India’s focus on rapid response, counter-drone tech, and defence self-reliance.

---

🧭 GS Paper Mapping

Current Affairs: India–Pakistan Border Tensions, Anti-Drone Defence

GS3: Security – Defence Procurement, Counterterror Strategy

GS3: Science & Tech – Missile Technology, Directed Energy Weapons

---

Target IAS-26: Daily MCQs :

📌 Prelims Practice MCQs

Topic:

---

🧠 Prelims MCQ (Type 4 – Direct Question)
Q1. Which of the following statements best describes the Igla-S system recently procured by India?
A) A ballistic missile system capable of intercontinental strikes
B) A man-portable, infrared-guided missile for targeting low-flying aerial threats
C) A space-based laser platform designed to intercept satellites
D) An underwater torpedo system with deep-sea targeting

🌀 Didn’t get it? Click here (▸) for the Correct Answer & Explanation

✅ Correct Answer: B) A man-portable, infrared-guided missile for targeting low-flying aerial threats

🧠 Explanation:
• The Igla-S is a shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile system that uses infrared homing to target low-altitude aircraft and drones.
• It is not a ballistic, naval, or space weapon.

---