Indies invest $47M in Russian air defense system

A $47 million contract for the purchase of Tunguska air defense missile systems for the Indian Army has been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, the Russian state intermediary agency for the export and import of products, technologies, and services for military and dual use. The Indian Ministry of Defence signed total contracts worth 86 billion Indian rupees (approx. $91 million), covering both the purchase of Tunguska systems and the depot-level maintenance of Boeing's long-range maritime reconnaissance P8I aircraft. The $47 million contract for the Tunguska systems was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport. "These advanced missile systems will enhance India's multi-layered air defense capabilities against aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles," the Defence Ministry stated in a press release. "The agreement will further strengthen the strategic defense partnership between India and Russia." Concurrently, a 41 billion rupee (approx. $44 million) contract was also signed with Boeing India Defense Private Ltd., a fully-owned subsidiary of Boeing in India, for the depot-level maintenance of P8I aircraft for the Indian Navy. According to the release, the contract will enable the execution of maintenance and servicing of the P8I fleet at domestic MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities