India has taken another step toward strengthening its maritime security architecture with defence procurement contracts worth ₹5,083 crore covering naval helicopters and advanced air defence missile systems. The agreements, formalised at South Block in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, signal continued policy momentum toward upgrading coastal surveillance capabilities while improving the air defence shield of frontline naval platforms.

According to the Ministry of Defence announcement available through official government communication channels such as https://mod.gov.in, the procurement package consists of two separate contracts. The first involves the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III in the Maritime Role configuration for the Indian Coast Guard. The second covers the purchase of Vertical Launch Shtil (VL-Shtil) surface-to-air missile systems intended for deployment on Indian Navy warships.

The larger portion of the procurement has been awarded to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited under a ₹2,901 crore contract to supply the ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters. These twin-engine platforms are designed specifically for maritime operations and are equipped with advanced avionics and mission systems suited for surveillance and rescue missions. The contract includes not only the helicopters themselves but also mission-specific equipment packages, engineering support and performance-based logistics services.

The helicopters are expected to operate both from coastal bases and naval vessels, allowing the Coast Guard to expand its operational reach across India’s vast maritime zones. Their operational role spans surveillance, search and rescue missions, coastal monitoring, and maritime law enforcement activities.

Government officials indicated that the induction of these helicopters will significantly improve the Coast Guard’s ability to protect offshore installations, artificial islands, and fishing communities. The helicopters will also support environmental protection missions by enabling faster response to maritime incidents.

The project also aligns with the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat push in the defence sector. According to the ministry, the helicopter program will source components and subsystems from more than 200 micro, small and medium enterprises across India. The manufacturing process is expected to generate approximately 6.5 lakh man-hours of employment across the supply chain.

In parallel, the ministry has signed a ₹2,182 crore contract with Russia’s state arms exporter JSC Rosoboronexport for the procurement of VL-Shtil surface-to-air missile systems along with associated missile holding frames. These missile systems will be deployed on Indian Navy warships to strengthen ship-borne air defence capability.

The VL-Shtil missile system is designed to intercept a wide range of airborne threats, including aircraft, drones and anti-ship missiles. By employing a vertical launch configuration, the system allows rapid engagement of aerial targets in multiple directions and under diverse operational conditions. Defence officials say the system will enhance the Navy’s layered air defence architecture and improve survivability in contested maritime environments.

The procurement also reflects India’s continuing defence relationship with Russia, which remains a key supplier of critical military technologies even as India seeks to expand domestic production and diversify its procurement sources.