TATA’s Advanced Thermal Sighting System Powers Indian Army’s IGLA Missiles, Boosting Air Defence Strength

The Indian Army has taken a significant step towards modernizing its air defence systems by equipping its Russian-origin IGLA man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) with an advanced indigenous thermal sighting system developed by TATA Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). This cutting-edge sight, known as the Rajak Thermal Weapon Sight-Cooled (TWC), dramatically enhances the army’s capability to track and engage aerial threats in real time, under any lighting or weather conditions.

What Is the Rajak Thermal Weapon Sight-Cooled (TWC)?

The Rajak TWC is a highly sophisticated thermal imaging device that uses cooled thermal sensor technology, giving it a clear edge over standard uncooled systems. Cooled sensors deliver higher image clarity, faster detection speeds, and longer detection ranges — crucial factors when dealing with modern threats like drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft that often operate at night or in poor weather, making them hard to spot with conventional optics.

Key Specifications of Rajak TWC:

• Type: Cooled Thermal Imaging Sight

• Detection Range:

  • Man-sized targets: up to 6 km

  • Tank-sized targets: up to 4 km

  • Aircraft & helicopters: 12–15 km

  • Small drones (UAVs): up to 3 km

• Capability: All-weather, day-and-night operation

• Technology: High-resolution cooled thermal imaging

• Integration: Designed for compatibility with IGLA MANPADS

This system empowers infantry units to identify, track, and engage fast, low-flying threats that would otherwise escape radar detection — particularly useful in mountainous regions, forests, and urban battlefields.

About the IGLA-S Missile System

The IGLA-S is a third-generation, shoulder-fired, infrared-homing surface-to-air missile system of Russian origin. It’s designed for very short-range air defence (VSHORADS) and can engage aircraft, helicopters, and drones within a range of 6 km and up to an altitude of 3.5 km.

Key Features:

• Warhead: High-explosive fragmentation

• Guidance: Infrared homing seeker

• Range: Up to 6 km

• Altitude Engagement: Up to 3.5 km

• Countermeasure Resistance: Advanced seeker technology improves resistance against enemy flares and decoys

When combined with the Rajak TWC, the IGLA-S becomes a much deadlier and reliable tool in India’s air defence arsenal.

Deployment & Indigenous Defence Push

So far, over 150 Rajak TWC systems have been delivered to various Indian Army commands, including the Northern, Eastern, Central, and Southern Commands. The remaining deliveries, including those to the Western Command, are scheduled for completion by mid-2025.

This program represents an important milestone under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative. By incorporating indigenous high-end technology into existing platforms, India is reducing its reliance on foreign imports while simultaneously strengthening domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.

Why This Matters

The modern battlefield increasingly includes threats from loitering munitions, swarm drones, and low-flying reconnaissance platforms, which are difficult to detect using traditional radar systems. The Rajak TWC’s real-time thermal imaging capability ensures these threats can be identified and neutralized promptly, safeguarding vital military installations and troops in forward areas.

Furthermore, TASL’s state-of-the-art optronics manufacturing facility is equipped to scale up production to meet rising demand, ensuring sustained supply for the armed forces.

This integration also complements India’s broader air defence modernization drive, which includes indigenous drone detection and jamming systems, anti-drone guns, and laser-based air defence solutions currently under development.

Conclusion

The collaboration between TATA Advanced Systems and the Indian Army to enhance the IGLA-S MANPADS with the Rajak Thermal Weapon Sight-Cooled represents a vital leap forward in India’s air defence preparedness. It equips frontline soldiers with all-weather, day-and-night engagement capabilities against modern aerial threats while reinforcing India’s commitment to defence self-reliance and technological advancement.