The Ministry of Defence finalized contracts totaling Rs 858 crore on Friday for acquiring the cutting-edge Russian Tunguska Air Defence Missile System and securing a maintenance deal with Boeing for the depot-level inspection of P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft of the Indian Navy. The agreements were signed at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials.
A contract valued at Rs 445 crore was inked with Russia’s JSC Rosoboronexport for the procurement of Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems for the Indian Army. These advanced missiles are designed to bolster India’s air defence capabilities against various aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. The deal is expected to strengthen the strategic defence partnership between India and Russia, as per the Ministry of Defence statement.
Another contract worth Rs 413 crore was signed with Boeing India Defense Private Ltd, a wholly owned Indian subsidiary of Boeing, for the inspection (Depot Level) of P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft for the Indian Navy under the “Buy Indian” category, featuring 100% indigenous content. This agreement ensures the depot-level maintenance of the P8I fleet at an in-country MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility, aligning with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives, as stated by the Ministry.
The Boeing P-8I Poseidon, known as the Indian Navy’s advanced long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the Indian Ocean. Operating 12 units for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and anti-ship missions, with plans for acquiring six more, the P-8I significantly enhances maritime domain awareness and counters regional threats. The P-8I, a variant of the US Navy’s P-8A Poseidon, holds strategic importance as India’s first international customer, serving as a key asset in the Indo-Pacific region.
