Defence ministry inks deal for Tunguska missile system with Russia

• The Ministry of Defence signed a contract worth Rs 445 crore for the procurement of Tunguska air defence missile system for the Indian Army on March 27.

• The contract was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russia.

• 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 2K22 Tunguska is a Soviet-era tracked, self-propelled anti-aircraft system that combines guns and missiles for short-range air defence (SHORAD). 

• Developed in the 1970s by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau to counter low-flying threats such as helicopters and jets, it mounts two twin 30mm 2A38 autocannons firing up to 5,000 rounds per minute, effective from 200m to 4km against air targets, and eight 9M311 missiles with radio-command guidance reaching 10km range and 900m/s speed.

• It is also known by its NATO designation SA-19 ‘Grison’.

Inspection of P8I Aircraft

• A separate contract worth Rs 413 was sealed with Boeing India Defence Private Ltd for the maintenance of the Indian Navy’s P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft.

• The Boeing P8I, a multi-role long-range maritime reconnaissance anti-submarine warfare (LRMR ASW) aircraft, is integral to the Indian Navy’s maritime surveillance missions in the Indian Ocean.