Over Rs 5K crore boost for Navy, Coast Guard
New Delhi: The Defence Ministry on Tuesday signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) for the Indian Coast Guard and surface-to-air missiles for the Indian Navy, in a move aimed at strengthening maritime security and air defence capabilities.
Of the total outlay, Rs 2,901 crore has been earmarked for the acquisition of ALH Mk-III helicopters in the maritime role from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The agreement includes the supply of operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support to ensure sustained operational readiness.
The twin-engine helicopters are equipped with advanced avionics and surveillance systems and are designed to undertake a wide range of maritime missions. These include coastal
surveillance, search and rescue, medical evacuation, anti-smuggling operations and protection of offshore assets. The aircraft can operate both from shore-based airfields and from ships at sea, enhancing operational flexibility.
According to the ministry, the induction of the ALH Mk-III will significantly boost the Indian Coast Guard’s capacity to safeguard artificial islands, offshore installations and critical maritime infrastructure. It will also strengthen efforts to ensure the safety of fishermen and protect the marine environment, particularly in India’s vast exclusive economic zone.
In a parallel development, the ministry signed a Rs 2,182 crore contract with Russia’s JSC Rosoboronexport for the procurement of surface-to-air
vertical launch Shtil missile systems along with associated missile holding frames. These systems are intended for deployment on frontline warships of the Indian Navy.
The Shtil missile system is designed to provide area air defence against a broad spectrum of aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, anti-ship missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. With rapid-reaction capability and all-weather operational readiness, the system is expected to enhance the survivability of naval platforms operating in high-threat maritime environments.
The Defence Ministry said the acquisition would reinforce the Navy’s layered air defence architecture by adding a robust medium-range engagement capability. This layered approach integrates multiple defensive systems to intercept threats at varying distances, thereby improving overall fleet protection.
The signing of the missile contract also highlights the continuing defence cooperation between India and Russia. The ministry described the partnership as longstanding and founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment, with defence ties remaining a key pillar of bilateral relations.
Together, the helicopter and missile procurements reflect the government’s continued focus on modernising
maritime forces amid evolving security challenges in the Indian Ocean region. The contracts are expected to contribute not only to operational capability but also to sustained defence preparedness across multiple maritime domains.
