The Ministry of Defence on 3 March 2026 signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters Mk III in the Maritime Role for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface to Air Vertical Launch Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy. The agreements were signed at South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Of the total outlay, Rs 2,901 crore has been allocated for the procurement of the Advanced Light Helicopters Mk III Maritime Role variant along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package and performance based logistics support. The contract has been awarded to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru, under the Buy Indian Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured category.
The twin engine helicopters are equipped with advanced avionics and mission systems and are designed to undertake a wide spectrum of maritime security operations. They are capable of operating from shore based airfields as well as from ships at sea. Their induction is expected to significantly strengthen the Indian Coast Guard’s ability to safeguard artificial islands, offshore installations, fishing communities and the marine environment.
The project is expected to draw supplies from more than 200 micro small and medium enterprises, generating approximately 65 lakh man hours of employment. Officials stated that the contract reinforces the national objective of self reliance in defence production and strengthens the maritime security architecture.
In a parallel agreement valued at Rs 2,182 crore, the Ministry signed a contract with JSC Rosoboronexport of the Russian Federation for the procurement of Surface to Air Vertical Launch Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames for the Indian Navy.
The missile system is designed to enhance the air defence capability of frontline warships against a wide range of aerial threats. It will bolster the layered air defence architecture on board naval platforms by providing rapid reaction and all weather engagement capability, thereby improving survivability in high threat maritime environments.
Officials said the acquisition underlines the continuing defence cooperation between India and Russia and aligns with the broader objective of modernising the armed forces while ensuring operational readiness across maritime domains.
