India signs $91-mn defence deals for Tunguska missiles and indigenous P-8I maintenance
New Delhi, March 27. The Ministry of Defence has concluded two key contracts worth a combined ₹858 crore ($91 million) to strengthen India’s air defence network and maritime reconnaissance readiness. The agreements were signed at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in the national capital.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on March 27, the first contract, valued at ₹445 crore, covers the procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems for the Indian Army. The deal was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The Tunguska systems are expected to bolster India’s layered air defence architecture, enhancing the Army’s capability to counter a range of aerial threats such as aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. Officials noted that the agreement also reinforces the longstanding strategic defence ties between India and Russia.
The second contract, worth ₹413 crore ($43.9 million), focuses on the depot-level inspection and maintenance of the Indian Navy’s Boeing P-8I Neptune long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft. Signed under the ‘Buy Indian’ category with 100 percent indigenous content, the agreement was concluded with Boeing India Defense Private Ltd, a wholly owned Indian arm of Boeing.
The contract will enable the P-8I fleet to undergo maintenance, repair, and overhaul at an in-country facility, reducing dependence on overseas support. Defence officials said the arrangement aligns with the government’s push for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) and the Make-in-India initiative by promoting indigenous defence maintenance capabilities while ensuring operational readiness of the Navy’s frontline surveillance assets.
