MoD Signs ₹5,083 Crore Contracts for HAL ALH Mk-III Helicopters and Shtil Missiles

In a significant step toward strengthening India’s maritime and defence capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore on March 3, 2026. The agreements include the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH Mk-III, Maritime Role) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the Buy-Indian category, and Vertical Launch Shtil surface-to-air missiles from Russia’s JSC Rosoboronexport.

The ALH Mk-III helicopters will enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s surveillance and rapid-response operations, while the Shtil missile systems will be deployed on frontline Indian Navy warships to provide layered air defence against diverse aerial threats. Defence officials emphasized that these acquisitions represent a major boost to India’s maritime combat readiness and align with the government’s focus on self-reliance and strategic partnerships.

Key Highlights

• Total Deal Value: ₹5,083 crore.
• Helicopters: Six ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) for Indian Coast Guard.
• Missiles: Vertical Launch Shtil systems for Indian Navy warships.
• Suppliers: HAL (India) and Rosoboronexport (Russia).
• Strategic Impact: Enhanced surveillance, rapid-response, and naval air defence.
• Policy Context: Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and maritime security.

Sources: PSU Connect, The Hindu, The Hindu BusinessLine, United News of India