MoD Signs Rs 858 Crore Defence Contracts for Tunguska Missile System and P-8I Aircraft Maintenance

The Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts worth a combined Rs 858 crore for the procurement of the Tunguska Air Defence Missile System for the Indian Army and depot-level inspection of P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft for the Indian Navy. The agreements were signed at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi on March 27, 2026.

The first contract, valued at Rs 445 crore, has been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport of Russia for the procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems for the Indian Army. The agreement was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. According to the Ministry, these missiles are expected to strengthen India’s layered air defence network by improving its capability to counter a range of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones and cruise missiles. The deal also underlines the continuing strategic defence partnership between India and Russia.

The second contract, worth Rs 413 crore, has been signed with Boeing India Defense Private Ltd, a wholly owned Indian subsidiary of Boeing, for the depot-level inspection of the Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft fleet. Signed under the Buy Indian category with 100 per cent indigenous content, the agreement is aimed at ensuring in-country maintenance, repair and overhaul support for the Navy’s long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

The Ministry said the contract will facilitate depot-level maintenance of the P-8I fleet at a domestic MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facility, in line with the government’s broader push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in the defence sector.

The twin agreements reflect the government’s continued focus on strengthening operational readiness across both land-based air defence and maritime surveillance capabilities, while also expanding indigenous maintenance and support infrastructure for key military platforms.

Source: PIB