India signs $552-mn defence deals for Coast Guard helicopters, naval air defence missiles
New Delhi, March 3. The Ministry of Defence on March 3 signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore ($552 million) for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard and Vertical Launch Shtil surface-to-air missiles for the Indian Navy, bolstering India’s maritime security and air defence capabilities.
The agreements were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block in New Delhi.
Boost to Coast Guard fleet
A contract worth ₹2,901 crore has been awarded to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for six Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-III (Maritime Role) helicopters under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category.
The twin-engine helicopters will be equipped with specialised operational systems, along with an engineering support package and performance-based logistics support. Featuring advanced technology upgrades over existing airborne platforms, the helicopters are designed to carry out a wide range of maritime security operations from shore bases and onboard ships.
Their induction is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s ability to safeguard artificial islands and offshore assets, while also strengthening protection for fishermen and preserving the marine environment.
The project is expected to source components from over 200 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and generate around 65 lakh man-hours of employment. The deal aligns with the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-reliant India) and ‘Make-in-India’ initiatives, reinforcing domestic manufacturing in the defence sector.
Strengthening naval air defence
In a separate agreement valued at ₹2,182 crore, the Ministry signed a contract with JSC Rosoboronexport of the Russian Federation for the procurement of the Shtil Vertical Launch surface-to-air missile system, along with associated missile holding frames.
The acquisition is aimed at significantly boosting the air defence capabilities of frontline Indian Navy warships against diverse aerial threats. The system will enhance the Navy’s layered air defence architecture by providing rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability, thereby improving survivability in high-threat maritime environments.
The missile deal also reflects the enduring defence partnership between India and Russia, built on longstanding strategic cooperation and mutual trust.
