New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed contracts worth ₹ 5,083 crore for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch (VL)-Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.
The contracts were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi.
ALH Mk-III (MR): The contract for the ALH Mk-III (MR), along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, valued at ₹2,901 crore, has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru, under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category.
These twin-engine helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art features superior to the currently operated airborne platforms and are capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea. Their induction will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capability to ensure the safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore installations, fishermen, and the marine environment.
The project envisages the supply of equipment from more than 200 MSMEs and is expected to generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment. The contract reinforces the Government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India initiative, while further strengthening the nation’s maritime security architecture.
VL-Shtil Missiles: The contract for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch (VL)-Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames, valued at ₹2,182 crore, has been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russian Federation.
The acquisition is intended to substantially enhance the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats. The system will reinforce the layered air defence architecture onboard Indian Navy platforms by providing rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability and improved survivability in contested maritime environments.
The contract further underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment.