Last Updated on March 3, 2026 9:48 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Defence today signed contracts worth a total of five thousand eighty-three crore rupees for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy. The contracts were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.
The contract for Advanced Light Helicopters, along with operational role equipment valued at two thousand nine hundred one crore rupees, has been inked with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru. These twin-engine helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art features superior to the currently operated airborne platforms. They are also capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea. The induction will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capability for fulfilling the duties of safety and protection of artificial islands and offshore installations, and protection of fishermen and the marine environment.
The Ministry, in a statement, said that the contract for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles valued at two thousand one hundred eighty-two crore rupees 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 contract further underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment.