New Delhi, March 27 The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth ₹445 crore with Russia's Rosoboronexport on Friday for the procurement of an air defence missile system for the Indian Army.
A separate contract worth ₹413 crore was also signed with Boeing India Defence Private Ltd for the maintenance of the Indian Navy's P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft, according to the Ministry of Defence.
"The contract for the procurement of Tunguska air defence missile systems, valued at ₹445 crore, for the Indian Army, was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russia," it said.
"These advanced missiles will enhance India's multi-layered 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 said in a statement.
The ministry also stated that "the contract for the inspection of P8I aircraft under the 'Buy Indian' category with 100 per cent indigenous content will ensure depot-level maintenance of the fleet at an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility."
The Boeing P-8I, a multi-role long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare (LRMR ASW) aircraft, is crucial for the Indian Navy's maritime surveillance missions in the Indian Ocean.
The Indian Navy currently operates 12 P-8I aircraft.