MoD Signs ₹5,083 Cr Contracts for ALH, VL-Shtil Missiles

On 3rd March 2026, the Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore for the procurement of 6 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and VL-Shtil surface-to-air missiles for the Indian Navy.

Key Points

ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) Procurement: A ₹2,901 crore contract was awarded to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru under the Buy [Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)] category.
Enhanced Maritime Capabilities: The twin-engine helicopters are designed for maritime security missions from shore bases and ships, strengthening the Indian Coast Guard’s operational reach.
Operational Roles: The helicopters will support protection of artificial islands, offshore installations, fishermen and marine environments.
Support & Logistics Package: The contract includes operational role equipment, engineering support package and performance-based logistics support.
Boost to Indigenous Industry: The project will source components from over 200 MSMEs and generate around 65 lakh man-hours of employment.
VL-Shtil Missile Procurement: A ₹2,182 crore contract was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport (Russia) for Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch (VL)-Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames for the Indian Navy.
Strengthening Naval Air Defence: The missiles will enhance the Indian Navy’s layered air defence capabilities against a wide range of aerial threats and provide rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability.