The Republic of Singapore Air Force has successfully test-fired the Russian made Igla surface-to-air missile on a recent exercise in South Africa.
The portable Igla missile system was the RSAF's first Russian arms purchase.
It has a range of up to 5 km and can be easily deployed on all types of terrain, as was demonstrated in the live firing at the Overberg Toetsbaan range in South Africa.
The missiles struck targets simulating a fighter and a helicopter, the Defence Ministry said yesterday.
The Igla complements existing air defence systems such as the I-hawk, Rapier, Mistral and RBS 70, all surface-to-air missiles that can hit targets at distances ranging from 5 km to 40 km.
Together with the 35-mm anti-aircraft gun, these missile systems provide low-level air defence and protection for vital installations.
(taken from The Straits Times, 25/6/99)