Russian Igla-S man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) were spotted in service with the Iranian army for the first time. This was reported by Yuri Lyamin, an employee of the Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, citing footage from social networks.
One of the photos clearly shows the launch tube of the Igla-S complex. The exact number of such systems available to Iran is unknown.
Lyamin suggested that Iran could have received Igla-S from Syria or purchased it from Russia. However, there were no official reports about this.
Also, in February 2026, Western media reported that Russia and Iran had agreed on the supply of Verba MANPADS – the next stage of development of Igla-S. Russia is to send Iran 500 units of Verba, as well as 2.5 thousand 9M336 missiles from 2027 to 2029. The deal was estimated at $589 million.
Igla-S is designed to engage low-flying and low-altitude targets, including helicopters or aircraft, at a range of up to 6 km and an altitude of up to 3.5 km.
The system uses an infrared homing head and is designed specifically to protect objects and troops from such threats.
