MoD Inks ₹5,083 Crore Deals for ALH Mk-III Helicopters & Vertical Launch Shtil Missiles

New Delhi, March 3, 2026: In a major boost to India's maritime security, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) today signed contracts worth a total of ₹5,083 crore for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch - Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.

The contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi.

1. ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) for Indian Coast Guard – ₹2,901 Crore

The contract for six ALH Mk-III helicopters, along with operational role equipment, engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru, under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category – Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured.

Key Features:

• Twin-engine helicopters with state-of-the-art features superior to currently operated airborne platforms

• Capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields and ships at sea

• Will significantly enhance Indian Coast Guard's capability for:

  • Safety and protection of artificial islands

  • Protection of offshore installations

  • Protection of fishermen and marine environment

Boost to Indian Industry:

• The project envisages supply of equipment from more than 200 MSMEs

• Expected to generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment

• Reinforces Government's commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiative

2. Vertical Launch - Shtil Missiles for Indian Navy – ₹2,182 Crore

The contract for procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch - Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames has been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russian Federation.

Key Features:

• Will substantially enhance air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats

• Reinforces layered air defence architecture onboard Indian Navy platforms

• Provides rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability

• Ensures improved survivability in contested maritime environments

Strategic Significance:

• The contract underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia

• Reflects mutual trust and strategic alignment between the two nations

Strengthening India's Maritime Security

Both acquisitions will significantly strengthen India's maritime security architecture. While the ALH Mk-III helicopters will boost the Coast Guard's surveillance and protection capabilities along India's coastline and offshore assets, the VL-Shtil missiles will enhance the Navy's combat readiness and air defence capabilities at sea.