India Signs Military Deals For Rs 858 Crore For Russian Tunguska, American P-8I Depot Inspection
India reinforces both its air defence and maritime surveillance capabilities as fresh agreements cover upgrades to the Tunguska system and in-country maintenance support for the Navy’s P-8I aircraft. Image courtesy: PIB Delhi, X.com/@DefenceDecode
India on Friday (March 27, 2026) signed two key military deals totalling Rs 858 crore that seemed to maintain a balance between its Russian and American ties. One of the deals was for the Russian-origin Tunguska air defence missile system, the other was for depot-level inspection of the American P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
The contracts were signed at the new seat of the Defence Ministry at Kartavya Bhavan-2 in New Delhi, in the presence of India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Tunguska Air Defence Missile System
The Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems contract for the Indian Army, valued at Rs 445 crore, was signed between the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Russian JSC Rosoboronexport.
“These cutting-edge missiles will enhance India’s multilayered air defence capabilities against aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. The agreement will further strengthen the Indo-Russian strategic defence partnership,” the MoD statement said.
Inspection of P-8I Aircraft
The contract for the Inspection (Depot Level) of P-8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft for the Indian Navy under the ‘Buy Indian’ category with 100% Indigenous Content, was valued at Rs 413 crore.
The P-8I depot-level inspection contract was signed with Boeing India Defense Private Limited, a wholly owned Indian subsidiary of American aerospace and defence major Boeing.
“This contract will ensure depot-level maintenance of the P-8I fleet at an in-country MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility, which is in line with the Government of India’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Make-in-India,” the statement added.
