The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch (Shtil) missile systems for the Indian Navy.

The agreements were formalised at South Block in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has secured contracts worth ₹5,083 crore from the MoD for the supply of the ALH helicopters and associated systems. According to an exchange filing by the company, ₹2,901 crore has been earmarked for the procurement of six ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard.

The contract includes the supply of operational role equipment, an engineering support package and performance-based logistics support.

HAL stated that the twin-engine ALH Mk-III helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art avionics and mission systems, offering enhanced capabilities over currently deployed airborne platforms. Designed for maritime operations, the helicopters can operate from shore-based airfields as well as ships at sea and are capable of undertaking a wide range of maritime security missions.

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The induction of these helicopters is expected to significantly strengthen the Coast Guard’s ability to safeguard artificial islands, offshore assets, fishing communities and the marine environment. The project is also expected to provide a boost to domestic manufacturing, with more than 200 MSMEs likely to be involved in the supply chain. HAL estimates that the programme will generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment.

The contract reinforces the Government’s push for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and the ‘Make in India’ initiative, further consolidating India’s maritime security architecture through indigenous capability development.

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In a separate development, the MoD signed a ₹2,182 crore contract with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russian Federation, for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch (Shtil) missile systems along with associated missile holding frames for the Indian Navy.

The Shtil missile system is designed to enhance the air defence capabilities of frontline naval warships by providing rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement against multiple aerial threats. The agreement reflects the continuing defence partnership between India and Russia, built on decades of strategic cooperation.