UPSC Articles
MANPADS
Part of: Prelims and GS III – Defence and security
Context: The Indian Army which has long been looking for new man portable air defence systems (MANPADS), has inducted a small number of Igla-S systems recently procured from Russia under emergency procurement
What are MANPADS?
- MANPADS are short-range, lightweight and portable surface-to-air missiles.
- They can be fired by individuals or small groups to destroy aircraft or helicopters.
- They help shield troops from aerial attacks and are most effective in targeting low-flying aircrafts.
- MANPADS can be shoulder-fired, launched from atop a ground-vehicle, fired from a tripod or stand, and from a helicopter or boat.
- Weighing anywhere between 10 to 20 kilograms and not being longer than 1.8 metres, they are fairly lightweight as compared to other elaborate weapon systems, making them easy to operate by individual soldiers.
- Operating MANPADS requires substantially less training.
- Most MANPADS have passive or ‘fire and forget’ guidance systems, meaning the operator is not required to guide the missile to its target, enabling them to run and relocate immediately after firing
