New Delhi: Ministry of Defence on Friday signed defence contracts worth ₹858 crore for strengthening the capabilities of the Indian Army and Indian Navy. The agreements were formalised at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi in the presence of Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, and senior ministry officials. ₹445 crore contract for Tunguska missile systems A contract worth ₹445 crore has been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport for procurement of 2K22 Tunguska air defence missile systems. Read Also: What Is HAL Stealthy ALCM? Inside India’s Bigger, Smarter Successor to CATS-Hunter The advanced system is designed to strengthen India’s layered air defence shield against multiple aerial threats. Tunguska systems to improve air defence against drones and cruise missiles The Tunguska missile system is expected to improve operational capability against: aircraft drones cruise missiles low-altitude aerial threats The acquisition is part of India’s continuing efforts to modernise tactical air defence systems. Deal reinforces India-Russia defence cooperation The contract is also viewed as another important step in defence cooperation between India and Russia, especially in legacy weapons support and missile systems. ₹413 crore contract signed for P-8I aircraft maintenance Separately, the ministry signed a ₹413 crore contract with Boeing India Defense Private Limited for depot-level inspection of the Navy’s Boeing P-8I Neptune fleet. P-8I maintenance to happen under Buy Indian category The contract has been awarded under the Buy Indian category with 100 percent indigenous content. It will enable: maintenance repair overhaul (MRO) of the long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft within India. Boost for domestic defence maintenance capability The move is expected to strengthen India’s defence MRO ecosystem by reducing dependence on overseas servicing. It also supports the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat policy in defence manufacturing and maintenance. P-8I aircraft critical for maritime surveillance The P-8I aircraft is a key surveillance platform for the Indian Navy and plays a major role in: long-range maritime reconnaissance anti-submarine warfare coastal security surveillance over strategic sea lanes Part of broader defence modernisation push These contracts reflect India’s parallel focus on: air defence modernisation naval readiness domestic defence support infrastructure The combined agreements are expected to improve operational readiness across both land and maritime domains. Read Also: World’s Largest 3D-Printed Rocket Engine Developed and Fired by India’s Agnikul Cosmos in Major Breakthrough
