Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: The defence ministry on Friday signed a deal for the procurement of Tunguska air defence missile systems from Russia and another contract for maintenance of its P8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft fleet with Boeing India. The combined cost of the two contracts is Rs 858 crore.The contract for the procurement of Tunguska systems, valued at Rs 445 crore, for the Indian Army, was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport of Russia in the presence of defence secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi. These cutting-edge missiles will enhance India’s multi-layered air defence capabilities against aerial threats. Tunguska is designed to provide day-and- night protection for infantry and tank regiments against low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and cruise missiles in all-weather conditions. The Tunguska agreement will further strengthen the Indo-Russian strategic defence partnership.The contract for the Inspection (depot level) of P8I aircraft for the Indian Navy under the buy Indian category with 100% indigenous content, valued at Rs 413 crore, was signed with Boeing India Defence Private Ltd, a wholly owned Indian subsidiary of Boeing. This contract will ensure depot level maintenance of P8I fleet at in-country maintenance, repair and overhaul facility, which is in line with the govt’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The Indian Navy currently operates 12 Boeing P-8I Poseidon long-range maritime patrol aircraft. These aircraft are stationed at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu and INS Hansa in Goa. The country is also in the process of acquiring six additional P-8I aircraft, which will take the fleet to 18.
