Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Rajesh Kumar Singh signed contracts in New Delhi on March 27, 2026 for the procurement of the Tunguska Air Defence Missile System and inspection (depot level) of the P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft . Photo: PIB via ANI
The Ministry of Defence on Friday (March 27, 2026) signed contracts worth ₹858 crore for the procurement of air defence systems for the Army and maintenance support for the Navy’s reconnaissance fleet, reinforcing India’s balanced defence partnerships with Russia and the United States.
A contract worth ₹445 crore was signed with Russian agency JSC Rosoboronexport for the procurement of the Tunguska Air Defence Missile System for the Army. The agreement was inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at Kartavya Bhavan. The system is expected to significantly enhance India’s multi-layered air defence capabilities against aerial threats such as aircraft, drones and cruise missiles, while further strengthening the Indo-Russian strategic defence partnership.
In a parallel move, the Ministry signed a ₹413-crore contract with U.S. firm Boeing India Defense Private Limited for depot-level inspection of the Navy’s P-8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft under the ‘Buy Indian category with 100% Indigenous Content’.
Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Rajesh Kumar Singh signed in New Delhi on March 27, 2026 signed contracts with Boeing India Defense Private Ltd for the Inspection (Depot Level) of P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft for Indian Navy. Photo: PIB via PTI
The contract will enable in-country maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of the P-8I fleet, enhancing operational readiness, in line with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India push.
The twin agreements underline India’s focus on strengthening combat capabilities while boosting domestic defence infrastructure.
Published – March 27, 2026 05:34 pm IST
