Defence Ministry signs Rs 5,083 crore helicopter, missile deals

metro india news  I 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 Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy, boosting the country’s maritime security and air defence capabilities.

The contract for six ALH Mk-III helicopters in the maritime role has been inked with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited at a cost of Rs 2,901 crore. The deal includes operational role equipment, an engineering support package and performance-based logistics support.

According to the ministry, the twin-engine helicopters come equipped with advanced features superior to the currently operated platforms. They are capable of carrying out a wide range of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as onboard ships at sea.

The induction of these helicopters is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s ability to safeguard artificial islands, offshore installations, fishermen and the marine environment.

In a separate agreement, the ministry signed a Rs 2,182 crore contract with Russia’s JSC Rosoboronexport for the procurement of surface-to-air vertical launch Shtil missiles along with associated missile holding frames.

The Shtil missile systems will be deployed on frontline Indian Navy warships to strengthen air defence against a broad spectrum of aerial threats. The ministry said the system will bolster the Navy’s layered air defence architecture by providing rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability and improved survivability in contested maritime environments.