Indian Army Places New Order for Adani-Made ARKA Air Defence Systems

In a significant move to boost India’s air defence capabilities, the Indian Army has confirmed an additional order for the ARKA Man-Portable Air-Defence System (MANPADS). This order reflects growing confidence in domestic defence production and marks another milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The ARKA is an advanced, shoulder-fired air defence missile system designed to protect ground troops from aerial threats like helicopters, fighter jets, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Manufactured in India by Adani Defence & Aerospace, the ARKA system is essentially the Indian version of the Russian Igla-S MANPADS, produced locally through a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with the original Russian manufacturer.

Modern Air Defence for Modern Threats

The Indian Army has long operated Soviet-era Igla-1M systems, but with modern aerial threats evolving rapidly, there was an urgent need to upgrade the existing Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) arsenal. The ARKA system has emerged as a timely and capable replacement.

Lightweight and highly mobile, the ARKA can be operated by a single soldier and is designed for frontline deployment in difficult terrains, including mountainous regions and border areas. It uses an advanced infrared homing seeker to lock onto the heat signatures of enemy aircraft and drones, making it highly effective in both day and night operations.

Key Technical Features of the ARKA System

• Type: Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS)

• Guidance System: Passive Infrared Homing

• Maximum Range: 6 kilometres

• Target Engagement Altitude: 10 metres to 3,500 metres

• Missile Speed: Over Mach 2

• Warhead Type: High-explosive fragmentation

• Launch Platform: Shoulder-fired, man-portable launcher

The system’s seeker technology is designed to resist modern countermeasures like flares, enhancing its reliability in active combat situations.

A Big Boost for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

This fresh procurement of ARKA systems is not just a defence purchase; it’s a significant endorsement of India’s private sector defence production capabilities. Adani Defence & Aerospace, which has been steadily expanding its footprint in India’s military-industrial sector, will manufacture these systems locally, supporting employment and technology development within the country.

The official renaming of the system from Igla-S to ARKA represents India’s strategic push to brand its domestically produced military hardware, instilling a sense of national ownership over critical defence technologies.

Part of a Larger Modernisation Plan

This order follows earlier emergency procurements of VSHORAD systems to meet immediate operational requirements along India’s sensitive borders. However, with this planned, large-scale production of ARKA, the Indian Army is taking a long-term step towards modernising its air defence network.

The indigenous manufacturing of ARKA not only ensures quicker deliveries and lower costs compared to imports but also provides India’s armed forces with reliable and battle-tested systems tailored for Indian conditions.

The Indian Army’s decision to expand its stock of Adani-made ARKA MANPADS is a clear message of confidence in the capabilities of India’s domestic defence industry. As geopolitical tensions in the region continue, investments in advanced, indigenous systems like the ARKA are crucial for maintaining operational readiness and protecting national security.

This development also highlights the growing synergy between the Indian government, armed forces, and private sector companies in building a self-reliant, future-ready defence ecosystem for India.