New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on March 03, 2026, signed contracts worth a total of ₹5,083 crore for the acquisition of six ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.
The agreements, including the contract for ALH Mk-III (MR), were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block in New Delhi.
Under the agreements, the Ministry has moved forward with the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (Maritime Role), strengthening both rotary-wing maritime operations and shipborne air defence capabilities.
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ALH Mk-III (MR) Contract Worth ₹2,901 Crore Signed with HAL
The contract for ALH Mk-III (MR), along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, has been valued at ₹2,901 crore.
The agreement has been inked with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru, under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category.
The ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters are twin-engine platforms equipped with state-of-the-art features that are superior to currently operated airborne systems.
These helicopters are capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea.
The induction of ALH Mk-III (MR) will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capability to fulfil its duties, including safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore installations, and the protection of fishermen and the marine environment.
The helicopters are expected to play a critical role in strengthening India’s maritime domain awareness and coastal security.
The project for ALH Mk-III (MR) envisages the supply of equipment from more than 200 MSMEs and is expected to generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment.
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.
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₹2,182 Crore Contract for VL-Shtil Missiles Signed with Russia
In addition to the ALH Mk-III (MR) contract, the Ministry also signed a ₹2,182 crore agreement for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames.
The contract has been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russian Federation.
The acquisition is intended to substantially enhance the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats.
The Vertical Launch – Shtil missile system will reinforce the layered air defence architecture onboard Indian Navy platforms by providing rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability and improved survivability in contested maritime environments.
The agreement underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment.
With the induction of ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters and the integration of advanced missile systems, the Ministry of Defence aims to bolster both maritime surveillance and naval air defence capabilities, strengthening India’s overall maritime security framework.
