The Defence Ministry signed contracts totalling Rs 8,580 million (mn) for acquisition and maintenance of aerial defence and maritime reconnaissance assets. The agreements cover procurement of the Tunguska air defence missile system for the Indian Army and depot-level inspection of the P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft for the Indian Navy. The Ministry indicated that the combined value of the contracts is equivalent to Rs 858 crore.

The contract for the procurement of the Tunguska air defence missile system, valued at Rs 4,450 million (mn), was concluded with JSC Rosoboronexport in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The Ministry stated that the systems will enhance multilayered air defence capabilities against aerial threats including aircraft, drones and cruise missiles. Officials indicated that the procurement will further strengthen the Indo-Russian strategic defence partnership.

The agreement for depot-level inspection of the P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, valued at Rs 4,130 million (mn), was signed with Boeing India Defense Private Ltd under the Buy Indian category with 100 per cent Indigenous Content. The contract will ensure depot-level maintenance of the P8I fleet at an in-country maintenance, repair and overhaul facility and is intended to boost domestic aerospace capability. The Ministry presented the move as aligning with the government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

Officials noted that localising maintenance and repair work is expected to reduce turnaround times and support fleet readiness while creating technical and support jobs within the country. The transactions are described as part of broader efforts to modernise the armed forces through targeted procurements and capacity building. The Ministry indicated that implementing the contracts will be subject to the usual timelines and regulatory clearances.