New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Tuesday signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III in the Maritime Role for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.
The agreements were signed at South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
The contract for six ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru. The deal, valued at Rs 2,901 crore, falls under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, according to an official statement.
The package includes operational role equipment, engineering support, and performance-based logistics support.
These twin-engine helicopters are equipped with advanced features. They are more capable than the platforms currently in service. The helicopters can operate from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea.
Their induction will strengthen the Indian Coast Guard’s ability to protect artificial islands, offshore installations, fishermen, and the marine environment. They will also support a wide range of maritime security missions.
The project will involve over 200 MSMEs. It is expected to generate nearly 65 lakh man-hours of employment. The deal supports the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives while enhancing India’s maritime security framework.
The MoD also signed a Rs 2,182 crore contract with JSC Rosoboronexport of the Russian Federation for Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles and related missile holding frames.
The procurement will boost the air defence capability of frontline Indian Navy warships. The system is designed to counter a wide range of aerial threats.
It will strengthen the Navy’s layered air defence system. The missiles offer rapid-reaction and all-weather engagement capability. They will improve the survivability of naval platforms in challenging maritime conditions.
The agreement reflects the long-standing defence partnership between India and Russia, built on mutual trust and strategic alignment.
