Defence Ministry Signs ₹858 crore deals for Tunguska Missile and P-8I Aircraft Support

New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has signed two key contracts worth ₹858 crore to strengthen India’s air defence and maritime surveillance capabilities. The agreements were formalised at Kartavya Bhawan on friday.

Tunguska Missile System

A major portion of the deal-₹445 crore has been allocated for the procurement of the Tunguska Air Defence Missile System for the Indian Army. The contract was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

Officials said the advanced missile system will significantly boost India’s multi-layered air defence network, enhancing its capability to counter aerial threats such as aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. The agreement also reinforces the longstanding defence cooperation between India and Russia.

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P-8I Aircraft Maintenance

In a parallel move, the Ministry signed a ₹413 crore contract for the depot-level inspection and maintenance of P-8I Poseidon fleet operated by the Indian Navy.

The contract has been awarded to Boeing India Defense Private Limited under the “Buy Indian” category with 100% indigenous content. Senior officials from the ministry were present during the signing.

This agreement will enable maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of the P-8I aircraft within India, ensuring operational readiness while reducing dependency on foreign facilities.

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Boost to Self-Reliance in Defence

The government said the move aligns with its push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, promoting indigenous defence capabilities and strengthening domestic defence infrastructure.

Strengthening Defence Preparedness

The Ministry said the move aligns with the government’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India programme, aimed at enhancing domestic capabilities in defence production and maintenance.