The Defence Ministry on Tuesday signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and surface-to-air missiles to strengthen the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy.

According to the ministry, the agreements include the purchase of ALH Mk-III helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard and surface-to-air vertical launch Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy’s frontline warships.

In an official statement, the ministry said, "The contract for ALH Mk-III (maritime role) along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, valued at Rs 2,901 crore, has been inked with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd." The helicopters will be supplied by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The ALH Mk-III helicopters are twin-engine aircraft designed for maritime roles. The ministry stated that these helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art features, which are superior to the currently operated airborne platforms. They are capable of carrying out a wide range of maritime security missions. These missions can be conducted both from shore-based airfields and from ships at sea.

Highlighting the importance of the induction of these helicopters, the ministry said, "The induction 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 and marine environment." The new helicopters are expected to boost the Coast Guard’s operational readiness and support its responsibilities in ensuring maritime safety and security.

In addition to the helicopter contract, the ministry also signed a separate agreement for the procurement of surface-to-air vertical launch Shtil missiles. The contract, valued at Rs 2,182 crore, has been signed with Russia’s JSC Rosoboronexport.

The Shtil missile system will be deployed on board Indian Navy warships. The ministry said that this acquisition is aimed at significantly enhancing the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide range of aerial threats.

Explaining the operational importance of the missile system, the ministry stated, "The 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 missiles are expected to strengthen the Navy’s defensive shield and improve its ability to respond quickly to threats in challenging maritime conditions.

The ministry also highlighted the broader significance of the agreement with the Russian defence exporter. In its statement, it said, "The contract further underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment." The statement emphasised the continued cooperation between the two countries in the defence sector.

Together, the two contracts amount to Rs 5,083 crore and represent a major step in enhancing India’s maritime and air defence capabilities. While the ALH Mk-III helicopters will support the Indian Coast Guard in its maritime security and protection duties, the Shtil missile system will strengthen the air defence preparedness of Indian Navy warships.

The Defence Ministry’s announcement outlines the value, purpose and operational benefits of both acquisitions. The helicopters will ensure safety and protection at sea, including safeguarding artificial islands, offshore installations, fishermen and the marine environment. The missile system, on the other hand, will enhance the Navy’s layered air defence system with rapid-reaction and all-weather capabilities.

With these agreements now formalised, the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy are set to receive advanced platforms and systems aimed at strengthening their operational effectiveness in maritime domains.