The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts totalling Rs 8.58 billion (bn) for the procurement of the Tunguska Air Defence Missile System and for depot level inspection of the P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The agreements were finalised at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi on 27 March 2026. The packages are intended to strengthen air defence posture, sustain maritime reconnaissance capability and to enhance operational readiness and domestic maintenance capacity. The contracts follow routine procurement procedures and represent strategic acquisitions.

The procurement contract for the Tunguska Air Defence Missile System, valued at Rs 4.45 billion (bn), was concluded with JSC Rosoboronexport of Russia for supply to the Indian Army. The systems are expected to augment multilayered defence against aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and cruise missiles. The arrangement is also framed as a reinforcement of the longstanding Indo-Russian defence partnership. Delivery schedules and training provisions will be finalised under contract terms.

A separate contract worth Rs 4.13 billion (bn) covers depot level inspection of the P8I fleet and was awarded to Boeing India Defense Private Ltd, a wholly owned Indian subsidiary of Boeing, under the Buy Indian category with 100 per cent Indigenous Content. The work will be carried out at an in-country maintenance, repair and overhaul facility to provide depot level maintenance for the P8I aircraft. The programme is aligned with Government of India initiatives on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India. The local maintenance work is expected to build specialised skills.

The combined contracts are intended to ensure sustained availability of critical platforms and to foster in-country maintenance capabilities while preserving strategic supply relationships. The MoD will oversee implementation to meet timelines and operational requirements. Stakeholders expect the contracts to support domestic industry and to contribute to long term capability sustainment. Budgetary allocations have been made within existing defence plans.