The Ministry of Defense signs an agreement with Russia for the Tunguska missile system worth Rs 445 Cr and a maintenance contract for P8I jets worth Rs 413 Cr with Boeing

NEW DELHI: India’s defense ministry on Friday signed an agreement to procure Tunguska air defense missile systems from Russia and signed another contract with Boeing India to maintain its fleet of P8I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft. The total cost of the two contracts is Rs 858 crore.Tunguska system procurement contract worth Rs 4.45 billion for indian armywas signed with Rosoboronexport in the presence of Defense Minister Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi. These cutting-edge missiles will enhance India’s multi-layered air defense capabilities against aerial threats. Tunguska is designed to provide all-weather protection for infantry and tank regiments against low-flying aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles. The Tunguska Agreement will further strengthen the India-Russia strategic defense partnership.A Rs 413-crore Indian Navy P8I aircraft inspection (depot level) contract was signed with Boeing India’s wholly-owned subsidiary Boeing India Defense Private Limited, which falls under the Buy India category and has a 100 per cent domestic component. The contract will ensure the P8I fleet is maintained at depot level at domestic maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities, in line with government commitments Atmanibal Bharat. The Indian Navy currently has 12 Boeing P-8I Poseidon long-range maritime patrol aircraft. The aircraft are stationed at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu and INS Hansa in Goa. The country is also purchasing an additional six P-8I aircraft, which will bring the fleet to 18 aircraft.