Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. File
| Picture Credit score: The Hindu
The Ministry of Defence on Tuesday signed contracts value ₹5,083 crore for the acquisition of six Superior Mild Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Position) for the Indian Coast Guard, and Floor-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.
The contracts had been inked within the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block in Delhi.
The contract for the six ALH Mk-III (MR) choppers, together with operational function tools, an engineering assist bundle, and performance-based logistics assist, valued at ₹2,901 crore, has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Restricted, Bengaluru. The acquisition comes below the class of indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured merchandise, the MoD stated.
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Enhance for Coast Guard
The dual-engine helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art options superior to the airborne platforms at present in operation, and are able to enterprise a large spectrum of maritime safety missions from shore-based airfields in addition to from ships at sea. Their induction is predicted to considerably improve the Indian Coast Guard’s functionality to make sure the security and safety of synthetic islands, offshore installations, and fishermen, in addition to safeguarding the marine atmosphere, the Ministry stated.
The mission envisages provide of kit from greater than 200 MSMEs and is predicted to generate roughly 65 lakh man-hours of employment. The contract reinforces the federal government’s dedication to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, or resilient India, and the Make-in-India initiative, whereas strengthening the nation’s maritime safety structure, it added.
Air defence on Navy ships
Individually, the contract for the procurement of Floor-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles and related missile holding frames, valued at ₹2,182 crore, has been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, a state-run firm of the Russian Federation. The acquisition is aimed toward considerably enhancing the air defence capabilities of frontline warships in opposition to a large spectrum of aerial threats, the Ministry stated.
The system will bolster the layered air defence structure onboard Indian Navy platforms by offering rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement functionality and improved survivability in contested maritime environments. The contract underscores the longstanding defence partnership between India and Russia, constructed on mutual belief and strategic alignment.
Printed – March 03, 2026 04:10 pm IST
