The Indian Ministry of Defence has procured the Soviet-era Tunguska mobile air defense system from Russia to strengthen its defenses against low-flying aerial threats such as drone swarms and cruise missiles.
The 4.45-billion Indian rupee ($47 million) contract was signed with Rosoboronexport, although the number of systems and delivery timeline were not disclosed.
Developed in the 1980s, the tracked, self-propelled Tunguska system combines short-range surface-to-air missiles with twin 30mm cannons, enabling it to engage low-flying targets.
The purchase follows India’s approval of 2.38 trillion rupees ($25 billion) worth of military procurements, including an additional batch of five S-400 air defense batteries.
The short-range Tunguska is expected to complement the long-range S-400, addressing threats posed by low-flying aerial systems such as loitering munitions.
It could also be deployed to protect S-400 launchers and radar systems from massed drone attacks.
Besides safeguarding critical assets such as the S-400, the system can move with armored formations to provide protective cover.
Features
The Tunguska employs 9M311-series missiles with an engagement envelope of 8 to 10 kilometers (5 to 6 miles) and up to 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) in altitude, guided via radio command for high-precision intercepts.
Twin 30mm autocannons deliver close-in defense with a combined rate of 3,900 to 5,000 rounds per minute, optimized for high-tempo, short-range engagements.
A 360-degree acquisition radar enables detection out to 18 kilometers (11 miles), supported by tracking radar and a digital fire-control system for accurate engagement.
The system can operate in electronically contested environments and includes an optical tracking mode for use under jamming conditions.
Mounted on a tracked chassis, it offers high mobility alongside armored formations and can integrate into layered air defence networks via external sensor cueing.
Upgraded variants, including the 2K22M and 2K22M1, feature improved fire control, enhanced missiles, and greater reliability.
