India has signed a ₹445 crore contract for the Tunguska air defence missile system, marking a focused effort to strengthen short-range, frontline air defence capabilities. The deal, concluded with Russia’s Rosoboronexport, forms part of a broader ₹858 crore package that also includes maintenance support for the Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft. The Tunguska is a mobile, self-propelled air defence platform designed to protect ground forces from low-altitude threats, including drones, helicopters, aircraft, and cruise missiles. By integrating surface-to-air missiles with anti-aircraft guns on a single platform, it provides layered protection and rapid response capability in dynamic combat environments. For the Indian Army, the system is particularly relevant for forward deployments, where armoured and mechanised units require continuous, mobile air defence cover. Its onboard radar and tracking systems enable real-time detection and engagement, addressing the growing challenge posed by low-visibility and fast-moving aerial threats. The acquisition comes amid a shift in warfare patterns, where drones and loitering munitions have emerged as critical threats, often exposing vulnerabilities in traditional air defence networks. Systems like Tunguska are intended to bridge this gap by providing close-range protection at the tactical level.