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The Ministry of Defence on Tuesday signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for six maritime Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-II for the Indian Coast Guard and vertical-launch Shtil surface-to-air missiles for the Indian Navy. The agreements were signed at South Block in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Helicopters for Coast Guard operations
A Rs 2,901 crore contract has been awarded to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for six Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-III configured for maritime duties. The procurement falls under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category.
According to the Defence Ministry, the twin-engine helicopters will be equipped with mission systems and operational role equipment, along with an engineering support package and performance-based logistics support. Designed for operations from both shore bases and ships, the aircraft are expected to expand the Coast Guard’s reach in maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and the protection of offshore assets and fishermen.
Officials said the programme will draw supplies from more than 200 MSMEs and generate about 6.5 million man-hours of work, adding momentum to domestic defence manufacturing while strengthening maritime security.
Missiles to bolster naval air defence
In a separate agreement worth Rs 2,182 crore, the government signed a contract with Rosoboronexport for the supply of Shtil surface-to-air missile system and associated equipment for frontline warships of the Indian Navy.
The vertically launched missile system is intended to strengthen shipborne air defence against a range of aerial threats. Defence officials said the system will improve the Navy’s layered air defence capability by enabling quick-reaction engagement in all weather conditions, enhancing survivability in contested maritime environments.
The deal also reflects the continuing defence cooperation between India and Russia in key military technologies.
Team BharatShakti
