Ministry of Defence has signed two major contracts worth a total of ₹5,083 crore to strengthen India’s maritime security capabilities. The deals cover six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III in the Maritime Role for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.
The contract for the six ALH Mk-III helicopters, valued at ₹2,901 crore, was signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category. These helicopters will come equipped with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support. They are designed to enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to carry out surveillance, search and rescue, and protection duties along India’s coastline, including safeguarding offshore installations, fishermen, and the marine environment.
The second contract, worth ₹2,182 crore, was signed with Russia’s JSC Rosoboronexport for the procurement of Vertical Launch Shtil missiles along with associated missile holding frames.
These ship-borne air-defence systems will be fitted on frontline Indian Navy warships to counter aerial threats such as aircraft, helicopters, and anti-ship missiles, significantly improving the Navy’s layered defence against incoming dangers.
Both contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi. The acquisitions reflect the government’s focus on modernising maritime forces through indigenous manufacturing and reliable international partnerships.
The ALH Mk-III helicopters, a proven platform developed by HAL, will add to the Coast Guard’s fleet and support round-the-clock operations in challenging sea conditions. The Shtil missiles, already in service with the Navy, will further bolster air defence readiness on key surface combatants.
