The Igla MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems) are portable air-defense missile systems developed in Russia, designed to engage and destroy low-altitude enemy aircraft.
+ Video: Watch the Igla MANPADS in Action in Ukraine
They are widely used by various military forces worldwide due to their portability, effectiveness, and ease of operation.
Main Features of the Igla MANPADS
- Model: 9K38 Igla
- Origin: Russia (former Soviet Union)
- Type: Portable surface-to-air missile system
- Weight: Approximately 17 kg (including launcher and missile)
- Range: Between 500 meters and 6 km
- Engagement Altitude: 10 to 3,500 meters
- Missile Speed: Approximately Mach 1.9
- Guidance System: Passive infrared (thermal seeker)
Operation and Use
The Igla MANPADS operates with a heat-seeking missile that tracks the heat emitted by aircraft engines, helicopters, and drones. The system is known for its ability to resist electronic countermeasures and thermal decoys, making it a significant threat to low-altitude aircraft.
It can be fired by a single soldier and is effective against moving targets or those performing evasive maneuvers. Its simple operation allows soldiers with basic training to use it efficiently on the battlefield.
Variants and Improvements
There are enhanced versions of the Igla, such as the Igla-S (9K338), which offers greater range, improved resistance to countermeasures, and a more advanced seeker for increased accuracy against high-speed targets.
Use in Recent Conflicts
The Igla MANPADS has been widely deployed in modern conflicts, including wars in Syria, Iraq, and, more recently, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian troops have used these systems to shoot down Russian fighter jets, helicopters, and drones, making them an essential tool for short-range air defense.
Its effective use against aircraft such as the Su-25 reinforces its strategic role in asymmetric warfare, where ground forces can neutralize aerial threats using portable and relatively affordable equipment.
Photo and video: X @+DefenceU, Wikimedia. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
