NEW DELHI — India’s Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore (approximately $610 million) to procure six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III for the Indian Coast Guard and Vertical Launch Shtil (VL-Shtil) surface-to-air missiles for the Indian Navy, significantly strengthening the country’s maritime security framework.
The agreements were signed at South Block in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Coast Guard to Receive Six ALH Mk-III Helicopters
Under a ₹2,901 crore contract, six ALH Mk-III helicopters in maritime configuration will be supplied by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru, under the “Buy (Indian-IDDM)” category, which emphasizes indigenous design and manufacturing.
The twin-engine helicopters are equipped with advanced avionics and mission systems and are capable of operating both from shore-based airfields and ships at sea. They are designed to undertake a wide range of maritime security missions.
According to officials, the helicopters will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s ability to:
- Protect artificial islands and offshore installations
- Safeguard fishermen and coastal communities
- Monitor and secure India’s maritime environment
The project is also expected to boost domestic industry participation, involving more than 200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and generating an estimated 6.5 million man-hours of employment. The procurement aligns with India’s “Make in India” and self-reliance initiatives.
Navy to Procure VL-Shtil Surface-to-Air Missiles
In a separate ₹2,182 crore agreement, the Ministry signed a contract with JSC Rosoboronexport of the Russian Federation for the procurement of VL-Shtil surface-to-air missiles and associated missile holding systems for the Indian Navy.
The VL-Shtil system is designed to significantly enhance the air defense capabilities of frontline warships. The missiles provide quick-reaction, all-weather engagement capability against a wide range of aerial threats, strengthening the Navy’s layered air defense architecture.
Officials said the acquisition will improve survivability of naval platforms operating in contested maritime environments.
Strategic and Operational Impact
The missile deal also underscores the long-standing defense partnership between India and Russia, reflecting continued strategic cooperation in critical military technologies.
Together, the helicopter and missile procurements are expected to substantially reinforce India’s maritime surveillance, coastal security, and naval combat readiness. While the ALH Mk-III helicopters will enhance the Coast Guard’s operational flexibility along India’s coastline and offshore assets, the VL-Shtil missiles will bolster the Navy’s air defense shield at sea.