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India Inks Rs 5,083 Cr Deals for Coast Guard Copters, Navy Missiles

The Ministry of Defence has signed two major contracts totalling Rs 5,083 crore to bolster India's maritime security. A Rs 2,901 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is for six advanced ALH Mk-III helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard, enhancing its offshore protection capabilities. A separate Rs 2,182 crore deal with Russia's Rosoboronexport is for VL-Shtil missiles to significantly upgrade the Indian Navy's air defence systems on warships. These agreements reinforce indigenous manufacturing under 'Make-in-India' and strengthen strategic defence partnerships.

Key Points: Rs 5,083 Cr Defence Contracts for ALH Mk-III, Shtil Missiles Signed

  • Rs 2,901 cr ALH Mk-III deal with HAL
  • Rs 2,182 cr Shtil missile deal with Russia
  • Boosts Coast Guard maritime ops
  • Enhances Navy air defence
  • Supports MSMEs & generates employment
2 min read

Ministry of Defence inks Rs 5,083 cr contracts for ALH Mk-II (MR), VL-Shtil missiles

MoD signs contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for Advanced Light Helicopters for Coast Guard and VL-Shtil missiles for Navy, boosting maritime security.

"The contract reinforces the Government's commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make-in-India initiative - Ministry of Defence"

New Delhi, March 3

The Ministry of Defence, on Tuesday, signed contracts worth a total of Rs 5,083 crore to acquire six Advanced Light Helicopters Mk-II for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch - Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the agreements were officially inked in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.

The contract for ALH Mk-III (MR), along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, valued at Rs 2,901 crore, has been inked with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru, under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category, the Ministry stated.

These twin-engine helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art features superior to the currently operated airborne platforms and are capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea. The induction will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard's capability for fulfilling the duties of safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore installations, and protection of fishermen & marine environment.

The project envisages the supply of equipment from more than 200 MSMEs and is expected to generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment.

As per the Ministry, the contract reinforces the Government's commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make-in-India initiative, while further strengthening the nation's maritime security architecture.

The contract for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch - Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames, valued at Rs 2,182 crore, has been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russian Federation. The acquisition is intended to substantially enhance the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats.

The system will reinforce the layered air defence architecture onboard the platforms of the Indian Navy by providing rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability and improved survivability in contested maritime environments. The contract further underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment, the Ministry noted.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see the focus on maritime security. Our coastline is vast and needs protection. The helicopters will be a big help for the Coast Guard in rescue missions and protecting our fishermen.
R
Rohit P
While I support strengthening our defence, Rs 5,083 crore is a huge amount. I hope there is complete transparency in these deals and the money is used efficiently. We cannot afford any delays or cost overruns.
S
Sarah B
The employment generation for MSMEs is a very positive aspect. 65 lakh man-hours is significant. Defence manufacturing can be a real engine for job creation and skill development across the supply chain.
V
Vikram M
The Shtil missile deal with Russia shows our strategic pragmatism. We need the best technology for our Navy, and Russia has been a reliable partner for decades. Balancing indigenous production with crucial imports is key.
K
Kavya N
Protecting our marine environment and offshore assets is so important. Glad the Coast Guard is getting these advanced tools. Hope they also help in preventing illegal fishing and pollution in our waters.

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