New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence India has signed defence contracts worth Rs 858 crore to strengthen the country’s air defence capabilities and support the maintenance of key naval aircraft.
One agreement valued at Rs 445 crore has been finalised with Rosoboronexport for the procurement of advanced air defence missiles for the Indian Army. The deal involves the acquisition of the Tunguska Air Defence Missile System.
According to officials, the system is designed to strengthen India’s multi layered air defence network by providing protection against a range of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones and cruise missiles. The procurement is also expected to reinforce the strategic defence partnership between India and Russia.
In a separate agreement worth Rs 413 crore, the defence ministry signed a contract with Boeing India Defence Private Limited for the maintenance of the Indian Navy’s long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
The contract covers inspection and depot level maintenance of the Boeing P-8I Poseidon fleet under the Buy Indian category with full indigenous content. Maintenance work will be carried out at a dedicated Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility.
The P-8I aircraft is a key component of the Indian Navy and plays a crucial role in maritime surveillance and anti submarine warfare operations across the Indian Ocean region.
India currently operates a fleet of 12 P-8I aircraft, which are regularly deployed for monitoring maritime activity and safeguarding strategic sea routes.
The twin agreements reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to modernise the armed forces while ensuring operational readiness across land and maritime domains.
