The Ministry of Defence on Friday signed contracts worth Rs 858 crore to strengthen India’s air defence and maritime surveillance capabilities, with separate agreements for the Army and the Navy.
The deals include a Rs 445 crore contract with Russia’s Rosoboronexport for the procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems for the Indian Army, and a Rs 413 crore agreement with Boeing India Defence Private Limited for depot-level inspection of P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft used by the Indian Navy.
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The Tunguska missile systems are expected to significantly enhance India’s multi-layered air defence network by improving its ability to counter aerial threats such as aircraft, drones and cruise missiles. The agreement also reinforces the long-standing strategic defence partnership between India and Russia.
In a parallel move, the MoD signed a contract under the “Buy Indian” category with 100% indigenous content for the maintenance of the Navy’s P-8I fleet. The Rs 413 crore deal with Boeing India Defence will facilitate depot-level inspection and servicing of the aircraft within the country.
Officials said the arrangement will ensure in-country Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) support for the P-8I aircraft, reducing dependence on foreign facilities and improving operational readiness.
The ministry noted that the project aligns with the government’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, aimed at boosting domestic capabilities in defence manufacturing and services.
The contracts were signed at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and senior officials of the ministry.
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Published On:
Mar 27, 2026 18:07 IST
