SA-18 Igla



The 9K38 Igla (Russian: Игла́, English: needle, NATO: SA-18 Grouse) is a Russian man-portable infrared homing anti-air missile system that performs similarly to the American FIM-92 Stinger. It was developed to perform better than the Strela family of portable aircraft defense weapons against countermeasures such as flares. The system fires the 9M313 missile and has been used by Iraqi Army in the first Persian Gulf War since its introduction in 1983.

Battlefield 2
The IGLA is used in Battlefield 2 by the People's Liberation Army and Middle Eastern Coalition factions. It spawns as a stationary anti-aircraft turret with two missiles and unlimited reloads. It, like the Stinger, locks on to and destroys enemy aircraft, but does virtually no damage to armored vehicles. The differences between the IGLA and Stinger are purely cosmetic; they perform on par with no difference.

Battlefield Play4Free
In Battlefield Play4Free, the IGLA is used by the Russian Army and is seen on Oman. It shoots two missiles before reloading and is incredibly effective against enemy aircraft and helicopters after locking on to their infrared signature. If an enemy deploys flares, the missiles will divert from the enemy aircraft.

The IGLA can even, to an extent, be used against ground targets such as tanks and infantry. However, it is very inaccurate unless locked on to aircraft and it is likely the user will miss their target as the missile starts to curve upward over time after fired.

Battlefield 3
"Russian man-portable infrared homing SAM. Labeled the 9K38 by the Russians and SA-18 IGLA by the US, the IGLA is capable of engaging a wide range of threats from UAV sized aircraft up to helicopters and low flying jets. The IGLA requires a locked target in order to fire."

- Battlelog description

The SA-18 IGLA is the unlockable anti-air weapon for the Russian Ground Forces.

It is the first unlock for the Engineer class at 7000 XP, and is given at the same time as the FIM-92 Stinger for the United States Marine Corps, and has the same range and damage. Like the Stinger, it requires weapon lock, and can only be used against air vehicles. It has a limited detection range (which can be reduced further via Stealth), and can be defeated with IR Flares.

Battlefield 4
"Anti-air missile capable of Mobility kill on most aircraft at medium range. Launcher must maintain lock until the missile hits the target"

- In-Game Description

The SA-18 IGLA returns in Battlefield 4 as an anti-air option for all factions. Compared to the FIM-92 Stinger, it has a more generous tracking area. It needs constant tracking on its target. The IGLA can reacquire lock if it is broken (visual obstructions, countermeasures). Unlike the FIM-92 Stinger, the IGLA's rockets will have a better chance at getting to their target unless they are deterred by countermeasures.