Russia is to promote international sales of its new Verba air-defense missile system. Photo courtesy Rosoboronexport

MOSCOW, March 23 (UPI) -- Russia's newest man-portable, shoulder-fired air defense missile system is to be promoted for the international market.

Rosoboronexport, a subsidiary of the Rostec State Corporation, said the Verba system by the KBM Scientific Production Concern will make its international debut later this month at the DEFEXPO India - 2016 exhibition.


"Traditionally Russia is ranked among world's leading manufacturers of air defense weapons, including man-portable missile systems," said Sergei Goreslavsky, deputy director general of JSC Rosoboronexport. "We are confident that the Verba will provoke interest of Indian militaries and our partners in Southeast Asia and other regions.

"It is the best weapon system in its class among offered today in the international arms market, judging by the combination of its tactical and technical characteristics and realization of unique technical solutions."

Verba, based on the Igla-S MANPAD, is now entering service with the Russian Army. It features a new highly sensitive tri-band optical homer into the 9M336 missile, as well as new instruments and a unique warhead featuring an adaptive contact / proximity fuze and increased-weight explosive.

It also has enhanced anti-jamming capabilities, Rosoboronexport said.

The altitude ceiling of the missile is more than 11.400 feet. Its maximum range is more than 3.7 miles.

DEFEXPO India - 2016 is taking place in South Goa beginning on March 28.