New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for the procurement of Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Vertical Launch (VL)-Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy, the government said on Tuesday.
The agreements were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block in New Delhi.
The contract for six ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters, valued at Rs 2,901 crore, has been awarded to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category.
The helicopters, equipped with advanced avionics and mission systems, are designed to perform a wide range of maritime security operations from both shore-based airfields and naval ships. Their induction is expected to significantly strengthen the Coast Guard’s capabilities in safeguarding offshore assets, protecting fishermen, and preserving the marine environment.
The project will involve over 200 MSMEs and is projected to generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment. It also aligns with the government’s push for indigenous defence manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
Separately, a Rs 2,182 crore contract has been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missile systems for the Navy.
The system is expected to enhance the air defence capability of frontline warships by enabling rapid-response engagement against diverse aerial threats in all weather conditions. It will strengthen the Navy’s layered defence architecture and improve operational survivability in high-threat maritime environments.
(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Google News. Click here to follow. Also, join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram. You may also follow us on Twitter here and stay updated.)