On Tuesday, the Ministry of Defense signed two contracts worth $Rs 5,083 crore for six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) for the Coast Guard and Shteel surface-to-air vertical launch missiles for the Navy to enhance its operational readiness.
ALH’s contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is worth it $2,901 crore and covers operational equipment, engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, while the missile agreement was signed with Russia’s Rosoboronexport and is valued at Rs 2,901 crore. $Rs 2,182 crore, the Defense Ministry said.
She said in a statement that the operation of the new ALH ships will significantly enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to carry out their duties, including protecting artificial islands, marine facilities, fishermen and the marine environment.
“These twin-engine helicopters incorporate the latest superior features over currently operational airborne platforms and are capable of undertaking a wide range of maritime security missions from shore airfields as well as from ships at sea,” the statement said.
The project will include the supply of equipment from more than 200 micro, small and medium companies, and is expected to generate approximately 65,000 work hours.
Sure enough, HAL recently fixed a pesky bug affecting a key component in the transportation system of the Navy and Coast Guard’s ALH aircraft, and it is likely to be cleared to fly again in April, ending the longest grounding of an aircraft in the Indian Army.
The working fleet was grounded in January 2025 after a fatal Coast Guard accident.
The Ministry of Defense said that the acquisition of the Shtil missiles aims to significantly enhance the air defense capabilities of front-line warships against a wide range of air threats.
“The system will enhance the multi-layered air defense architecture on board the Indian Navy’s platforms by providing rapid reaction and all-weather engagement capability and improving survivability in contested maritime environments. The contract also underscores the long-standing and time-tested defense partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment,” she added.
