By N. C. Bipindra

New Delhi: India’s Defence Ministry, on March 27, 2026, signed two key military deals totalling INR 858 crore to buy the Russian-origin Tunguska air defence missile system and for depot-level inspection of the American P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.

The two deals, signed in New Delhi-based new Defence Ministry offices at Kartavya Bhavan-2, were seen as India’s way of maintaining a balance between its military ties with both Russia, a traditional strategic partner, and the United States, a new major defence partner.

India’s Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other Defence Ministry officials were present during the contract signing, which was joined by officials from the Russian state-run export agency Rosoboronexport and American Boeing Co.

Tunguska Air Defence Missile System

The Indian Army would get the Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems for INR 445 crore. Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Russian JSC Rosoboronexport signed the contract, with Rajesh Kumar Singh witnessing the deal.

“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 Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in a statement.

Depot-Level Inspection of P8I Aircraft

The Indian Navy’s P-8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft would get an Inspection at the Depot Level through the present contract, signed under the ‘Buy Indian’ category with 100% Indigenous Content, worth INR 413 crore.

The MoD and Boeing India Defense Private Limited, a wholly owned Indian subsidiary of American aerospace and defence major Boeing, signed the P-8I Inspection (Depot-Level) contract.

“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 toAatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India)and Make-in-India,” the statement added. 

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