India inks Rs 5,083-crore deals for six advanced light helicopters, Shtil missiles

These twin-engine helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art features superior to the currently operated airborne platforms and are capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea

• India signs Rs 5,083 crore deals for Coast Guard, Navy upgrades
• Six ALH Mk-III helicopters to enhance maritime security, create jobs
• Shtil missiles from Russia to enhance Navy's air defence

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The Ministry of Defence, on Tuesday, signed contracts worth a total of Rs 5,083 crore to acquire six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-II (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 at South Block, New Delhi.

ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role)

According to the Ministry of Defence, the contract for six ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters, along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package and performance-based logistics support, is valued at Rs 2,901 crore. The deal has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru, under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category.

“These twin-engine helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art features superior to the currently operated airborne platforms and are capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea,” the Ministry of Defence said.

The Ministry added that “The induction will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capability for fulfilling the duties of safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore installations, and protection of fishermen & marine environment.”

The project is also expected to give a boost to domestic industry. “The project envisages supply of equipment from more than 200 MSMEs and is expected to generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment,” the Ministry of Defence said.

It further noted that “The contract reinforces the Government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make-in-India initiative, while further strengthening the nation’s maritime security architecture.”

Vertical Launch Shtil Missiles for Navy

The Ministry of Defence signed a Rs 2,182-crore contract with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russian Federation, for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames.

“The acquisition is intended to substantially enhance the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats,” the Ministry of Defence stated.

It added that “The system will reinforce the layered air defence architecture onboard the platforms of the Indian Navy by providing rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability and improved survivability in contested maritime environments.”

The Ministry said the agreement “further underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment.”

With the twin deals, India aims to sharpen both surveillance and defensive capabilities at sea, while simultaneously pushing indigenous manufacturing under its self-reliance drive.