ALERT: Russia Delivers Igla-S Air Defense Missile Systems to India Despite U.S. and EU Sanctions.

As reported by the Indian newspaper "India Today" on May 4, 2025, the Indian Army has taken delivery of a new shipment of Igla-S Man-Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS), NATO reporting name SA-24 "Grinch", supplied by the Russian Federation. This $3 million acquisition enhances India’s tactical air defense capabilities, particularly along the border in Jammu and Kashmir, and holds notable geopolitical significance as it occurs amidst ongoing U.S. and European sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Despite sustained international pressure, Russia continues not only to honor existing defense commitments but also to produce and export advanced military equipment to a wide array of international clients, maintaining its status as a major global arms supplier.
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Russian-made Igla-S launcher and missile, part of the latest defense shipment to India under a $3 million deal. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)

The SA-24 Igla-S is a Russian-made third-generation, man-portable surface-to-air infrared-guided MANPADS designed to engage low-flying aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is an evolution of the earlier Igla and Igla-1 systems, offering improved accuracy, resistance to electronic countermeasures, and a more powerful warhead. The system is shoulder-fired, highly mobile, and can be deployed rapidly by infantry units. It has a maximum range of approximately 6 kilometers and can reach targets at altitudes up to 3.5 kilometers. Its advanced seeker and proximity fuze give it a significant edge over older VSHORAD systems, making it particularly effective in mountainous terrain like that of northern India.

Indian Army units stationed in Jammu and Kashmir have already begun fielding these systems. This deployment aims to bolster defenses against persistent aerial threats, especially from UAVs frequently used for surveillance and potential cross-border hostilities. The portability and rapid reaction capability of the Igla-S make it especially suited for India's rugged and challenging border environments, where mobility and immediate responsiveness are crucial.

The delivery of these systems underscores the ongoing strategic cooperation between India and Russia, a defense relationship that has not only withstood the test of time but also remained resilient in the face of global geopolitical upheaval. Despite mounting pressure from the West for India to curtail its defense dealings with Moscow, New Delhi has consistently maintained a position of strategic autonomy. Russia remains one of India’s largest defense partners, supplying over 50% of India's imported military hardware, ranging from tanks and submarines to advanced fighter jets and air defense systems.

At the same time, Russia's defense industry continues to operate at a high level of productivity, with major manufacturers like Almaz-Antey, Kalashnikov Concern, and Rostec maintaining full-scale production and active export programs. From air defense systems and armored vehicles to combat aircraft and naval platforms, Russian military equipment remains in high demand across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. This ongoing export activity, even in the face of international sanctions and restricted access to Western technologies, reflects the resilience and adaptability of Russia’s military-industrial base.

In parallel with the Igla-S deployment, the Indian Ministry of Defense has announced an urgent procurement tender for 48 VSHORADS (Very Short Range Air Defense System) launchers and 90 missiles. These are upgraded Igla-S variants that will be assembled under license within India, forming part of India’s broader drive toward defense indigenization under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. By shifting production capabilities to Indian soil, this move not only ensures quicker fulfillment of operational requirements but also enhances technological transfer and industrial self-reliance.

This twin-track strategy—of immediate procurement from Russia combined with domestic licensed production—reflects India’s nuanced approach to defense modernization. It enables the Indian military to meet urgent operational needs while fostering a long-term industrial base capable of developing and sustaining indigenous defense technologies.

For Russia, continuing to deliver such systems in the face of sanctions highlights its commitment to maintaining global defense partnerships. It also reinforces Russia’s relevance in the global arms market, particularly among countries that value a multipolar defense procurement strategy free from Western political pressures.

India’s decision to deepen its defense cooperation with Russia, even during a time of intensified Western scrutiny, illustrates the strategic calculus guiding New Delhi’s foreign policy. It is a balancing act—maintaining longstanding partnerships with Moscow while expanding ties with the U.S., France, and Israel. This multifaceted strategy ensures that India remains militarily prepared, diplomatically agile, and industrially progressive amid an increasingly complex global security environment.