- MoD signs twin contracts for ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters and VL-Shtil missiles in New Delhi
- ₹2,901 crore HAL deal to power Coast Guard’s maritime security; 200+ MSMEs to benefit
- ₹2,182 crore Shtil missile pact with Rosoboronexport to sharpen Navy’s layered air defence
NE DEFENCE BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MAR 3
In a decisive push to strengthen India’s maritime security architecture, the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday inked 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 (VL)-Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.
The agreements were signed at South Block in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, marking a significant step in bolstering coastal surveillance, offshore asset protection and frontline naval air defence capabilities.
ALH Mk-III (MR): Indigenous Muscle for Maritime Vigil
The ₹2,901-crore contract for the ALH Mk-III (MR) has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru, under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category.
The twin-engine helicopters, equipped with operational role equipment, engineering support and performance-based logistics, are designed for a wide spectrum of maritime security missions — from shore-based airfields to ship-borne operations in high seas.
“These 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,” the Ministry stated.
The induction is expected to significantly enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to safeguard artificial islands, offshore installations, fishermen and the marine environment.
Defence analysts have noted that the ALH Mk-III (MR), derived from HAL’s proven Dhruv platform, has demonstrated robust performance in surveillance, search and rescue (SAR), pollution response and interdiction roles — critical for a coastline stretching over 7,500 km.
Beyond operational capability, the project carries a strong economic multiplier. The MoD said the programme envisages supply from over 200 MSMEs and is expected to generate nearly 65 lakh man-hours of employment — reinforcing the Government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India commitments.
VL-Shtil: Shielding Warships from the Skies
In parallel, the Ministry signed a ₹2,182-crore contract with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russian Federation, for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch (VL)-Shtil missiles along with associated missile holding frames.
The acquisition aims to substantially enhance the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones and anti-ship missiles.
“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 VL-Shtil system, already deployed on select naval platforms, is known for its vertical launch configuration that enables 360-degree engagement and quick reaction time — key in modern naval warfare where threats emerge from multiple vectors.
The contract also underscores the longstanding defence partnership between India and Russia, built on mutual trust and strategic alignment.
Strategic Signal
The twin acquisitions send a clear signal of India’s dual-track strategy — strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing while sustaining critical global partnerships.
With enhanced rotary-wing maritime assets and improved shipborne air defence systems, India’s maritime forces are poised for greater operational readiness in the Indian Ocean Region, amid evolving security challenges.
