Defence ministry inks Rs 5,083 cr pact for acquisition of six Mk-III light helicopters and missiles

The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch - Shtil missiles.

The contracts were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi.

The contract for acquisition of ALH Mk-III (MR) from has been inked with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was valued at Rs 2,901 crore. It includes operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support for the Indian Coast Guard.


The ALH Mk-III helicopters are twin-engine vehicles that incorporate superior features as compared to the currently operated airborne platforms and are capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea.

The ministry said that the induction of these Mk-III helicopters will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capability for fulfilling the duties of safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore installations, and protection of fishermen & marine environment.

The contract reinforces the government's commitment to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' mission as the project envisages the supply of equipment from more than 200 MSMEs and is expected to generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment.

Also read: India to buy 5 new squadrons of S-400 Sudarshan air defence system from Russia

Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch - Shtil missiles

The contract for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch - Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames was valued at Rs 2,182 crore. It 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 ministry said in a statement.

The Shtil missile 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 Defence Ministry noted that the contract underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment.