The 9K38 Igla (Russian: Игла, meaning “needle”) is a highly effective man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) developed by the Soviet Union, now used in Russia and several other countries. It has seen extensive development over the years and remains one of the most recognized anti-aircraft missile systems.
Origins and Development of the Igla
The Igla system was developed in response to the need for a more capable, reliable, and effective replacement for earlier MANPADS systems like the 9K32 Strela-2 and 9K34 Strela-3, which had certain limitations, particularly regarding target discrimination, infrared (IR) countermeasures, and performance against low-flying aircraft and helicopters.
Development Timeline:
- Late 1960s-1970s: The Soviet Union developed the Strela series of MANPADS, including the Strela-2 (SA-7 “Grail”) and Strela-3 (SA-14 “Gremlin”). However, by the late 1970s, these systems were becoming outdated due to improvements in Western aircraft countermeasures.
- 1972: Work on a next-generation MANPADS began, with the project being part of the Soviet military’s strategy to field a more advanced short-range air-defense system capable of countering low-flying helicopters and aircraft that were fitted with flares and infrared countermeasures.
- Early 1980s: After extensive research and testing, the 9K38 Igla system was introduced in the 1980s, with the NATO reporting name SA-18 “Grouse”. The Igla incorporated several improvements over its predecessors, including a dual-band seeker for better infrared (IR) counter-countermeasure capabilities, improved range, and better overall performance in hitting fast-moving or evasive targets.
- 1983: The Igla entered service with the Soviet military and became a key element of its air-defense strategy, particularly for defending against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and ground-attack jets.
Key Features of the 9K38 Igla MANPADS
The 9K38 Igla was designed to be a highly portable and effective system. Some of its key features include:
- Seeker: The Igla uses a passive infrared seeker that is more resistant to countermeasures, including flares, than earlier MANPADS systems. The seeker operates in multiple spectral bands, allowing it to distinguish between the heat signature of aircraft engines and decoy flares more effectively.
- Warhead and Propulsion: The system is equipped with a 1.17 kg high-explosive warhead with a contact and proximity fuse. It also has an efficient solid-fuel rocket motor, giving it a range of around 5.2 km (about 3.2 miles) and a maximum altitude of 3.5 km (11,500 feet).
- Portability: The Igla is highly portable, weighing around 10.8 kg (24 lb), making it easy for infantry to carry and deploy in various battlefield conditions. The system is designed to be used by a single operator, though often deployed in teams to improve effectiveness.
- Accuracy and Countermeasures Resistance: The Igla is known for its high accuracy in targeting low-flying helicopters, jets, and drones, as well as its improved counter-countermeasure capabilities, which help it defeat modern aircraft defense systems like flares and decoys.
Further Developments: The Igla-S (SA-24 Grinch)
- 2004: A more advanced variant, the 9K338 Igla-S (also known as SA-24 Grinch), was developed and fielded. This version improved the missile’s range, seeker sensitivity, and warhead lethality. It could engage targets at greater distances (up to 6 km) and was better equipped to handle modern aircraft equipped with advanced countermeasures. The Igla-S is considered a major improvement over the earlier Igla versions, with enhanced accuracy and destructive power.
Vehicle-Mounted Systems
While the Igla is primarily a MANPADS, it has also been integrated into vehicle-mounted air-defense systems, increasing its flexibility and effectiveness on the battlefield. These systems provide a mobile platform for rapid deployment and increased firepower.
Notable Vehicle-Mounted Platforms:
- Strelets (SA-24 Grinch): A common platform used for mounting the Igla missiles is the Strelets launcher system, which can be mounted on vehicles, helicopters, or even ships. The Strelets system allows for the automatic targeting and firing of multiple Igla missiles in quick succession, greatly increasing the overall lethality of the system.
- ZSU-23-4M4 Shilka: This is an upgraded version of the famous ZSU-23-4 Shilka anti-aircraft gun system, which was retrofitted with Igla missiles for improved effectiveness against aerial targets. This combined the high rate of fire from the Shilka’s autocannons with the precision and range of the Igla missiles.
- 9K35 Strela-10 (SA-13 Gopher): The Strela-10 system was a tracked vehicle equipped with infrared-guided missiles. In later versions of the Strela-10, Igla missiles were integrated to improve its targeting capabilities and range.
Operational History
The Igla system has been used in various conflicts since its introduction, demonstrating its effectiveness in combat.
- Soviet-Afghan War (1980s): The Igla was deployed in Afghanistan, where it was used by Soviet forces to target mujahideen helicopters and jets.
- Gulf Wars (1990-2003): Both Iraq and coalition forces used the Igla in various capacities during the Gulf Wars.
- Libyan Civil War (2011): The Igla was used by both government and rebel forces, posing a significant threat to NATO aircraft.
- Ongoing Conflicts: The Igla continues to be used in modern conflicts, with reports of its use in Ukraine, Syria, and other regions where non-state actors have acquired the weapon system.
Conclusion
The 9K38 Igla represents one of the most significant advancements in MANPADS technology, owing to its portability, effectiveness against low-flying aircraft, and resistance to countermeasures. Its evolution through variants like the Igla-S and its integration into vehicle-mounted platforms highlights its flexibility and ongoing relevance in modern warfare. The Igla continues to be a critical component of air-defense strategies for numerous nations and has had a lasting impact on the development of portable anti-aircraft systems globally.
9K38 Igla (SA-18 “Grouse”)
- Introduced: 1983
- Missile designation: 9M39
- Weight of missile (in canister): 10.8 kg (23.8 lbs)
- Weight of missile (without canister): 10.6 kg (23.4 lbs)
- Length of missile: 1.574 meters (62 inches)
- Diameter: 72 mm
- Operational range: 500 meters to 5.2 km (0.3 to 3.2 miles)
- Maximum altitude: 3.5 km (11,500 feet)
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.9 (600 m/s or 2,160 km/h, or 1,340 mph)
- Warhead weight: 1.17 kg (2.6 lbs) high-explosive fragmentation
- Seeker type: Passive infrared homing (IR seeker with dual-band detection)
- Guidance system: Proportional navigation (automatic steering)
- Fuze: Contact and proximity
- Kill probability: Estimated around 30-48% against fast, maneuvering aircraft with flares, up to 60-70% for less evasive targets
- Crew: One operator, but typically deployed in a team for maximum effectiveness
9K338 Igla-S (SA-24 “Grinch”)
- Introduced: 2004
- Missile designation: 9M342
- Weight of missile (in canister): 11.7 kg (25.8 lbs)
- Weight of missile (without canister): 11.3 kg (24.9 lbs)
- Length of missile: 1.7 meters (67 inches)
- Diameter: 72 mm
- Operational range: 500 meters to 6 km (0.3 to 3.7 miles)
- Maximum altitude: 3.5 km (11,500 feet)
- Maximum speed: Mach 2 (680 m/s or 2,448 km/h, or 1,520 mph)
- Warhead weight: 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) high-explosive fragmentation
- Seeker type: Improved dual-band passive infrared homing with higher sensitivity
- Guidance system: Proportional navigation
- Fuze: Contact and proximity, with an improved proximity fuse for higher efficiency against fast-moving or maneuverable targets
- Kill probability: 50-70%, depending on the scenario
- Crew: One operator, often deployed in teams
Vehicle-Mounted Igla Systems
(SA-24 Grinch)
- Launcher type: Automated multi-launcher system
- Mounting options: Can be mounted on vehicles, helicopters, or naval platforms
- Missile type: Igla or Igla-S (SA-18 or SA-24)
- Missile count per launcher: Typically 4-8 missiles
- Operational range: Same as the Igla-S (up to 6 km range, 3.5 km altitude)
- Missile guidance: Passive infrared homing
- Fire control: Automated targeting and firing systems for multiple missiles
ZSU-23-4M4 Shilka with Igla
- Primary armament: 4 x 23mm autocannons
- Missile system: Igla or Igla-S added to enhance air-defense capability
- Missile count: Usually 4 missiles mounted externally
- Range: Same as the Igla-S (up to 6 km)
- Speed: Target engagement at aircraft speeds up to Mach 2
- Guidance: Passive IR homing with integrated radar targeting
9K35 Strela-10 (SA-13 Gopher) with Igla
- Primary armament: Short-range infrared-guided missiles (upgraded versions use Igla missiles)
- Missile count: Typically 4-8 missiles
- Range: Same as Igla-S (up to 6 km)
- Altitude: Up to 3.5 km (11,500 feet)
- Speed: Mach 2 targets
Performance Overview:
- Effective Against: Low-flying helicopters, jets, UAVs, and ground-attack aircraft
- Deployment: Used in both handheld MANPADS configuration and mounted on vehicles for greater mobility and firepower
- Combat Experience: Used in several conflicts, including the Soviet-Afghan War, the Gulf Wars, Libyan Civil War, and ongoing conflicts like Syria and Ukraine
- Resistance to Countermeasures: Advanced dual-band seeker allows better discrimination between aircraft and decoys like flares
These statistics represent the different configurations and performance characteristics of the 9K38 Igla and its variants. The system has proven its value in both MANPADS and vehicle-mounted roles, offering high flexibility for modern air-defense operations.