Defence Ministry has signed contracts worth Rs 8,580 million (mn) 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 formalised on March 27, 2026, with the signing witnessed by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The total package aims to bolster air defence and sustain maritime reconnaissance capabilities.

The contract for the procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems for the Indian Army is valued at Rs 4,450 mn and was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport of Russia. The Ministry said these systems will enhance the country’s multilayered air defence posture against aerial threats including aircraft, drones and cruise missiles. The procurement is intended to further strengthen the Indo Russian strategic defence partnership.

The second contract, valued at Rs 4,130 mn, was concluded with Boeing India Defense Private Ltd for depot level inspection of the P8I fleet under the Buy Indian category with 100 per cent indigenous content. The work will ensure depot level maintenance of the P8I fleet at an in country maintenance, repair and overhaul facility, supporting in service readiness. The contract aligns with government initiatives on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India by promoting domestic maintenance capability.

Officials indicated the combined contracts will improve operational preparedness while supporting domestic industry and maintenance ecosystems. The agreements are expected to reduce turnaround times for major maintenance events and to enhance logistics self sufficiency for long range maritime reconnaissance and air defence assets. The Ministry described the moves as part of ongoing modernisation efforts and international cooperation to meet evolving security challenges. Stakeholders noted that the contracts will also support skills development and supply chain resilience.