Defence Ministry Signs ₹858 Crore Contracts for Tunguska Missile System

The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹858 crore to strengthen India’s air defence and maritime capabilities. The agreements include:

Procurement of the Tunguska Air Defence Missile System for the Indian Army

Depot-level inspection and maintenance of P-8I maritime aircraft for the Indian Navy

The contract for the Tunguska system (₹445 crore) was signed with Russia’s JSC Rosoboronexport, while the P-8I aircraft maintenance contract (₹413 crore) was signed with Boeing India Defence Pvt. Ltd.

These systems will enhance India’s multi-layered air defence network and ensure better maritime surveillance readiness.

Key Features of the Deal

Tunguska Missile System

Designed to counter aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles

Combines missiles + anti-aircraft guns

Provides short-range, low-altitude air defence

Highly mobile and radar-equipped

P-8I Aircraft Maintenance

Supports long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft

Ensures in-country Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO)

Falls under “Buy Indian” category with 100% indigenous content

Strategic Significance

Strengthens India’s layered air defence system

Enhances Indian Navy’s surveillance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

Boosts operational readiness of armed forces

Reinforces India–Russia defence partnership

Promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence maintenance

Important Technical Facts:

2K22 Tunguska

Origin: Russia

Type: Self-propelled air defence system

Combines surface-to-air missiles + autocannons

P-8I Aircraft

Variant of Boeing P-8 Poseidon

Used for:

Anti-submarine warfare (ASW)

Maritime surveillance

Intelligence gathering

India’s Air Defence Strategy

Based on multi-layered defence system:

Short-range (e.g., Tunguska)

Medium/Long-range (e.g., S-400, Akash)