As reported by TASS on November 14, 2023, the Russian company Rosoboronexport signed a contract during the Dubai Airshow 2023, for both the supply and the organization of licensed production for the Russian Igla-S man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) in India. This agreement, reportedly valued at up to $1.5 billion, has been initiated in collaboration with an Indian private company.
This contractual agreement results from India’s decision in November 2018 to select the Russian Igla-S MANPADS as part of its VSHORAD (very short-range air defense system) program, in order to replace outdated Soviet-era 9K38 Igla MANPADS systems with more technologically advanced systems. According to Russian sources, the procurement may involve a substantial order, including 5,175 missiles and 800 launchers, with 600 missiles designated for production by the Indian state-owned enterprise Bharat Dynamics Ltd.
While emphasizing the ongoing collaboration with Indian enterprises, Rosoboronexport’s General Director, Alexander Mikheev, refrained from disclosing specific details about the companies involved or the timeline for the initiation of production. This collaborative effort is part of a broader initiative by Rosoboronexport to engage with both Indian private and public entities, considering Russia’s consistent position as a significant military supplier to India.