What is Tunguska air defence system India just bought from Russia

The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth Rs 858 crore for the procurement of the 2K22 Tunguska air defence missile system and depot-level inspection of P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft. The agreements were signed at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi on March 27, 2026.

Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh on March 27, 2026, also granted Acceptance of Necessity for multiple proposals worth about Rs 2.38 lakh crore.

For the Indian Army, approvals include the air defence tracked system, armoured piercing tank ammunition, high capacity radio relay, Dhanush gun system and a runway independent aerial surveillance system, signalling a broader push to strengthen operational capabilities across domains.


The contract for procuring the Tunguska system, valued at Rs 445 crore for the Indian Army, was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The system is expected to strengthen India’s multilayered air defence network against aerial threats such as aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.

What is the Tunguska air defence missile system

The Tunguska is a Soviet-origin, tracked, self-propelled air defence system designed to protect ground forces from low-flying aerial threats. Known by its NATO designation SA-19 “Grison”, it combines both missiles and guns in a single platform, allowing it to engage targets across varying ranges and altitudes.

Tunguska features

Unlike conventional systems that rely only on missiles, the Tunguska integrates surface-to-air missiles with twin 30 mm autocannons. This hybrid design makes it effective against helicopters, drones and cruise missiles.

Its missile system, primarily from the 9M311 family, can engage targets at ranges of up to 8–10 km and altitudes of up to 3,500 metres. The missiles use radio command guidance and are designed for high accuracy.

The twin autocannons can fire at rates between 3,900 and 5,000 rounds per minute, offering rapid-response defence against close-range threats.

Radar and tracking capabilities

The system is equipped with a 360-degree target acquisition radar capable of detecting threats up to 18 km away. A tracking radar and digital fire control system ensure precise engagement.

It can operate in electronically contested environments and also includes optical tracking, allowing it to function even if radar systems are jammed.

Mobility and battlefield integration

Mounted on a tracked chassis, the Tunguska can move alongside armoured units across varied terrain and weather conditions. It is designed to operate as part of a wider air defence network, receiving inputs from external surveillance systems.

Evolution and upgrades

Since its induction in the early 1980s, the system has seen multiple upgrades, including variants like 2K22M and 2K22M1, which feature improved fire control, enhanced missiles and better reliability.

Operational use and India’s strategy

The Tunguska has been deployed by multiple countries, including India, and has seen use in various conflicts. Its continued relevance lies in its ability to counter evolving aerial threats, especially drones and precision-guided weapons.

For India, the procurement is part of a broader effort to strengthen a layered air defence network, ensuring protection against a wide spectrum of modern aerial threats.