India signs accord with Russian firm for procuring air defence missile system
The cutting-edge missiles will enhance India’s multilayered air defence capabilities, the defence ministry said in a statement.
India today (27 March) signed a Rs445-crore agreement with a Russian company for the procurement of Tunguska air defence missile systems against aerial threats including aircraft drones and cruise missiles.
Separately, the high-powered Defence Acquisition Committee (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today approved proposals to procure defence armaments worth Rs2.38 lakh crore including S-400 Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile System for the air force that will counter enemy long-range air vectors targeting vital areas.
The agreement with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russia, to acquire defence missile systems was inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
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The cutting-edge missiles will enhance India's multilayered air defence capabilities, the defence ministry said in a statement.
The DAC cleared proposals for the procurement of Medium Transport Aircraft, Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft and overhaul of Su-30 Aero engine Aggregates for the Indian Air Force.
The Remotely Piloted Strike Aircraft will enable undertaking offensive counter and coordinated air operations and providing stealth Intelligence, surveillance and recognition activities.
Another proposal cleared by the DAC is the induction of Medium Transport Aircraft by replacing the transport fleet of AN32 and IL76 which will meet the strategic, tactical and operational airlift requirements of the services.
For the Indian army, approval was given to the Air Defence Tracked System, Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition, High Capacity Radio Relay, Dhanush Gun System and Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System.
The Air Defence Tracked System will provide real time Air Defence Control and Reporting capability while the High Capacity Radio Relay will provide reliable and fail-proof communication.
The Dhanush Gun System will enhance the artillery's capabilities to engage targets at longer ranges in all terrains with enhanced lethality and accuracy. The Runway Independent Aerial Surveillance System will provide surveillance capabilities to the army units and the Armoured Piercing Tank Ammunition will enhance the lethality of Anti-Tank ammunition.
The DAC also greenlighted a proposal for the Coast Guard for heavy duty air cushion vehicles which will be used for multipurpose maritime coastal operational roles, including high-speed coastal patrolling, reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, rendering assistance to ships and carrying personnel and stores including logistics.
In the fiscal year 2025-26, the DAC cleared 55 proposals amounting to Rs6.73 lakh crore. Besides, capital procurement contracts have been signed for 503 proposals amounting to Rs2.28 lakh crore in the current fiscal year.
Both the quantum of the cleared procurement proposals and capital contracts signed so far have been the highest in any given financial year, the defence ministry said.
