Govt signs Rs 5,083 crore deals to acquire helicopters for Coast Guard, missiles for Navy

New Delhi — The Ministry of Defence on Tuesday signed two major defence contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy.

The agreements were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block in New Delhi.

Of the total outlay, a contract worth Rs 2,901 crore has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III in the maritime role for the Coast Guard. The procurement has been finalised under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category.

These twin-engine helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art features superior to 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.

According to the ministry, their induction will significantly boost the Coast Guard’s ability to safeguard offshore installations, artificial islands, fishermen and the marine environment.

The project is expected to involve over 200 MSMEs in the supply chain and generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment. The government said the contract underscores its commitment to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and the ‘Make in India’ initiative while strengthening maritime security.

In a separate deal, the ministry signed a Rs 2,182 crore contract with JSC Rosoboronexport for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missiles and associated equipment for the Indian Navy.

The missile system will enhance the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against multiple aerial threats. It is designed to provide rapid-reaction and all-weather engagement capability, thereby improving the survivability of naval platforms in challenging maritime conditions.

The government stated that the agreement also reflects the long-standing defence partnership between India and Russia, rooted in mutual trust and strategic cooperation.

With inputs from IANS