Illustrative image. (Tasnim News Agency)
The advanced Russian-made 9K338 Igla-S man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) has made a surprise appearance in Iran.
The MANPADS appeared in a photo released by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency on April 22. The photo was taken at a gathering by Basij volunteers in the city of Ahvaz in the western Iranian province of Khuzestan. The news agency said that the gathering was held “in support of the leadership and the armed forces.”
The Igla-S is the latest version in the Igla family of MANPADS, which first appeared in the Soviet Union. It features a longer range — up to six kilometers — a more sensitive infrared seeker, improved resistance to latest countermeasures, and a heavier warhead weighing 2,5 kg.
Illustrative image. (Tasnim News Agency)
It was not previously known that Iran possessed this type of MANPADS, and it is still unclear when exactly the Islamic Republic received it.
Iran began arming the Basij with MANPADS just days after the beginning of the American-Israeli war more than a month ago.
The Basij, completely made up of volunteers, is one of the five branches of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The paramilitary force is reported to have more than 25 million reservists, with at least 600,000 available for immediate call-up.
The Iranian had notable success in using MANPADS during the war. On April 3 alone, MANPADS were reportedly used to shoot down an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet then an A-10 Thunderbolt II attack jet of the United States Air Force. It is possible that Igla-S missiles were what brought down these warplanes.
Iran has been already working to acquire more MANPADS before the war. A report by the Financial Times claimed that the Islamic Republic inked an agreement to buy thousands of 9K333 Verba MANPADS, which is even more advanced than the Igla-S, some time in December.
And right after the ceasefire entered into effect, a report by CNN revealed Chinese plans to ship MANPADS of an unknown type to Iran.
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