The Igla-1M (9K310 Igla-1M, NATO reporting name: SA-16 Gimlet) is a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) used by the Indian Army for short-range air defense. Here are all the key details about its service in India:

1. Overview of Igla-1M
- Type: Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS)
- Origin: Soviet Union/Russia
- Design Bureau: KBM (Kolomna Design Bureau)
- NATO Designation: SA-16 Gimlet
- Role: Short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) for engaging low-altitude aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs.

2. Technical Specifications
- Missile: 9M313 (improved over the original Igla-1)
- Guidance: Infrared homing (passive seeker)
- Warhead: High-explosive fragmentation (1.17 kg)
- Range: 5.2 km (max), 0.5 km (min)
- Altitude: 3.5 km (max)
- Speed: ~600 m/s (Mach 1.8)
- Weight (System): ~17.9 kg (missile), ~10.8 kg (launcher)
- Launch Preparation Time: ~5 seconds
- Single-Shot Hit Probability: ~0.6 (60%)

3. Features & Upgrades Over Igla-1
- Improved resistance to infrared countermeasures (IRCM).
- Better target tracking and seeker sensitivity.
- Enhanced warhead lethality compared to the original Igla-1.
- All-aspect engagement capability (can engage targets head-on).

4. Indian Army’s Usage
- Acquisition: India initially procured Igla-1M systems in the 1990s as part of its short-range air defense modernization.
- Role: Used by Air Defense Regiments of the Indian Army to protect mechanized forces, vital installations, and forward areas.
- Deployment: Typically operated by two-man teams (gunner + loader).
- Complementary Systems: Used alongside Igla-S (SA-24 Grinch) and ZSU-23-4 Shilka for layered air defense.

5. Replacement & Upgrades
- Igla-S (SA-24): India has been replacing older Igla-1M systems with the more advanced Igla-S (since 2020 under emergency procurement).
- VSHORAD Program: India is developing a Very Short-Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) missile to replace aging MANPADS, but delays have led to continued reliance on Igla variants.

6. Operational History in India
- Used extensively in high-altitude areas (e.g., Siachen, Ladakh) due to portability.
- Part of India’s air defense network during conflicts like Kargil War (1999).
- Still in service but being phased out in favor of Igla-S and future indigenous systems.

7. Strengths & Limitations
✔ Pros:
  - Lightweight, easy to operate.
  - Effective against low-flying aircraft & helicopters.
  - All-aspect engagement capability.
✖ Cons:
  - Outdated compared to newer MANPADS.
  - Limited range compared to modern threats (e.g., drones, stealth aircraft).
  - Susceptible to advanced flares & IR jamming.