India and Russia ink agreement for licence production of newer Igla-S MANPADS

India and Russia have finalised an agreement under which India will receive newer Igla-S hand-held anti-aircraft missiles, commonly known as MANPADS or (Man-Portable Air Defence Systems). This agreement also allows for their production under licence in India, as reported by the Russian state Agency TASS on November 14, 2023.

Alexander Mikheev, the head of the state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, confirmed the deal, stating, "We have already signed the corresponding document, and now, together with an Indian private company, we are organising the production of Igla-S MANPADS in India."

India, acknowledged as the world's largest arms importer, has a long-standing reliance on Russian arms despite concerns arising from Russia's challenges in the Ukraine conflict. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Russia has contributed 45% of India's arms imports from 2018 to 2022, followed by France at 29% and the United States at 11%.

Mikheev had previously highlighted collaborative efforts between Rosoboronexport and Indian entities, expressing plans to integrate aviation weapons into India's existing aviation fleet. However, specific details regarding the involvement of Indian companies and the timeline for production commencement were not disclosed.

The partnership between the two nations extends beyond the Igla-S missiles. Mikheev noted the provision of Su-30MKI fighter jets, tanks, armoured vehicles, shells, and the joint production initiative for AK-203 Kalashnikov assault rifles earlier in the year.With the deal now inked, it is also noteworthy to know that DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) is involved in the development of India's own indigenous Man-Portable Short-Range Air Defense system called VSHORAD.

Rosoboronexport had previously acknowledged India's ‘pivotal’ role in shaping its global partnerships, citing key contracts with Indian entities in an official statement around October 19. In the statement, it lauded India for assisting in establishing its foothold in the global arms market since 2000, following contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

However, amidst the Ukraine-Russia conflict and escalating sanctions on the Russian defence industry, Rosoboronexport admitted facing ‘pressing challenges’ impacting the system of military-technical cooperation between nations.

Rosoboronexport, in the same statement, spoke of proactive measures to navigate the evolving trends in the global arms market. Mikheev had predicted a rising global interest in technology partnerships, emphasising the firm's capabilities in licensed production, joint ventures, and collaborative research and development projects with foreign partners.

The company's legacy of joint ventures and licensed production in India continues, dating back to its inception in 2000, marked by a contract with India's HAL Corporation for the licensed production of Su-30MKI aircraft.