According to RBTH, the Verba (Willow) portable air defense missile system, which is capable of distinguishing its target from any interference, has joined the Russian forces, replacing the Igla-S. The Verba portable air defense missile system, which was developed within the Instrument Design Bureau, was integrated into one of the airborne troops divisions and in a motorized infantry brigade in the Eastern Military District.

The newest man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) should replace the Igla-S systems of the previous generation that are currently in use. “The Verba will be delivered not only to the motorized rifle and tank brigades, but also to the Airborne Forces, as well as the Marines. We plan to replace the presently armed Igla air defense system with the new MANPADS,” a Russian Defense Ministry spokesman familiar with the situation told RBTH. The same source told that it is possible that in the near future the new MANPADS will replace the anti-aircraft defense arsenal, and there will also be models with either wheels or a tracked chassis.

The Verba can take out drones and cruise missiles The main difference between the Verba and Russian MANPADS of the last generation is the heat-seeking multispectral optical heating-seeking head (GOS), through which the missile can distinguish a captured target from passive heat traps, which are now required elements in the defense systems of not only fighters, bombers, attack helicopters and attack aircraft, but also transport aircraft and helicopters.

Verba rocket can see its target in three spectra, so it is able to distinguish a target even when so-called ‘laser projectors’ attempt to blind the GOS MANPADS with their rays. The modern heat seeker can detect and engage targets with low thermal radiation, such as drones and cruise missiles. Not even helicopters with specially mounted devices that reduce the temperature of the engine exhaust are safe from the Verba.

The Verba is an advanced weapon in several ways. It features improved engine performance and a heavier warhead (approximately 1.5 kilograms), as well as extended range. The new MANPADS can now hit targets at ranges of 500 to 6,500 meters, altitudes of up to 4.5 kilometres, and at a speed of up to 500 meters/second.