• Source:JND

The Ministry of Defence on Tuesday signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and surface-to-air missile systems aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy.

"The contract for ALH Mk-III (maritime role) 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 Ltd," PTI quoted the ministry.

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The twin-engine ALH Mk-III helicopters are equipped with advanced features and are capable of carrying out a wide range of maritime security missions. They can operate 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 ministry said.

In a separate agreement, the ministry signed a Rs 2,182 crore contract with JSC Rosoboronexport for the procurement of surface-to-air vertical launch Shtil missile systems along with associated missile holding frames. The missiles will be deployed on board frontline warships of the Indian Navy.

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"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," it said.

"The contract further underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment," it said in a statement.


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