In a significant move to strengthen India’s maritime security and naval air defence preparedness, the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday signed contracts worth a total of ₹5,083 crore for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-II in the Maritime Role for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.
The agreements were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi, marking another major step in enhancing the country’s coastal and naval defence architecture.
The contract for the Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-II, along with associated operational role equipment, is valued at ₹2,901 crore. It has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru.
These twin-engine helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art features and represent a significant upgrade over the currently operated airborne platforms. Designed for maritime operations, the ALH Mk-II (Maritime Role) helicopters are capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea.
Their induction is expected to substantially enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard. The helicopters will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and protection of artificial islands and offshore installations, safeguarding fishermen, and preserving the marine environment. They will also strengthen maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, and coastal security measures.
In a parallel development, the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹2,182 crore contract with JSC Rosoboronexport of the Russia for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.
The acquisition is aimed at significantly enhancing the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and incoming missiles. The Shtil missile system, known for its reliability and effectiveness, will bolster the Navy’s layered defence shield and improve its readiness in increasingly complex maritime security scenarios.
The missile contract further underlines the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, built on mutual trust, strategic alignment, and decades of cooperation in defence technology and equipment.
Together, these two major procurements reflect India’s continued focus on modernising its armed forces and strengthening maritime and naval capabilities amid evolving regional and global security challenges. The deals also highlight the government’s emphasis on enhancing indigenous manufacturing through partnerships with domestic defence firms while maintaining strong international collaborations in critical defence technologies.
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