New Delhi, March 3 (UNI) In a major boost to India’s maritime combat capabilities, the Ministry of Defence today signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-II (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch (VL-SRSAM) Shtil missile systems for the Indian Navy.
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 agreements, formalised at South Block in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, are aimed at significantly enhancing surveillance reach, rapid-response capability and layered air defence preparedness across India’s maritime domain.
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.
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 and marine environment.
The project envisages supply of equipment from more than 200 MSMEs and is expected to generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment.
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, a statement from the Ministry of Defence stated.
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