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India Reportedly Receives Russian Igla-S Air Defense Systems Despite Sanctions
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![Ivan_khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
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India has taken delivery of a new batch of Igla-S man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) from Russia, moving forward with defense cooperation despite ongoing US and EU sanctions imposed on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.
According to India Today on May 4, the $30 million shipment includes SA-24 “Grinch” systems—NATO’s designation for the Russian Igla-S, a third-generation, shoulder-fired air defense missile—intended to enhance India’s tactical air defense capabilities.
The Indian Army has already begun deploying the Igla-S units to frontline air defense formations in areas identified as high-risk zones for potential aerial incursions by aircraft, helicopters, and drones. The system is viewed as a critical element in India’s very short-range air defense (VSHORADS) network.
The Igla-S is designed to engage low-flying targets and features improved guidance, a more powerful warhead, and resistance to electronic countermeasures. Its mobility and ability to be deployed quickly make it particularly suited for mountainous terrain, such as that found along the India-Pakistan border.
Earlier, Indian refiners had cut back on Russian oil purchases following new US sanctions targeting Moscow’s shadow fleet, but by April, imports surged back—projected to reach 2.15 million barrels per day—as India seized on steep discounts for Urals crude, now making up over a third of the country’s total oil imports.
