India has moved to strengthen its short-range air defence capabilities by procuring the Tunguska mobile air defence system from Russia in a deal worth approximately ₹4.45 billion ($47 million). The contract, finalized with Rosoboronexport, is intended to counter emerging threats such as low-flying drones, loitering munitions, and cruise missiles, though specific delivery details remain undisclosed.
The Tunguska, a legacy system developed during the Soviet era, combines missile and gun-based interception on a single tracked platform. Its dual capability allows it to engage aerial targets at both medium and close ranges, making it a valuable addition to India’s layered air defence architecture. The acquisition comes alongside a larger defence procurement push that includes additional S-400 systems.
Positioned as a point-defence solution, the Tunguska will work in tandem with long-range assets like the S-400, protecting them from low-altitude and saturation attacks. Its mobility enables it to operate alongside mechanized units, providing continuous air defence cover in dynamic battlefield environments.
The system uses 9M311-series missiles with an effective engagement range of up to 10 km and altitude coverage of 3,500 meters, supported by radio-command guidance. For close-range threats, twin 30 mm autocannons offer a combined firing rate of up to 5,000 rounds per minute. A 360-degree radar system provides detection out to 18 km, complemented by tracking radar and digital fire-control systems for precision targeting. It is designed to function in contested electromagnetic environments, with an optical tracking mode available under jamming conditions. Modernized variants further enhance its performance with improved missiles, fire control, and system reliability.
