New Delhi, March 3 The Defence Ministry on Tuesday signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and surface-to-air missiles.
While the ALH Mk-II helicopters are being procured for the Indian Coast Guard, the Shtil missiles will be deployed on board the Indian Navy's warships.
"A contract worth ₹2,901 crore has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for the ALH Mk-III (maritime role), along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support," the ministry said.
It said these twin-engine helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art features that are superior to the currently operated airborne platforms and are capable of undertaking a wide range 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 capabilities for fulfilling the duties of safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore installations, and the protection of fishermen and the marine environment," the ministry said.
A contract worth ₹2,182 crore has been signed with Russia's JSC Rosoboronexport for the procurement of surface-to-air vertical launch – Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames.
The acquisition is intended to substantially enhance the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats, the ministry said.
"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.
