MoD Signs Big Deals for ALH Mk-III & VL-Shtil Missiles

To Strengthen India’s maritime and air defense capabilities, the Ministry of Defense on March 03, 2026 signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore. The agreements include procurement of six ALH Mk III (Maritime Role) helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard and VL Shtil Surface to Air missiles for the Indian Navy. The contracts were signed in the presence of Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi.

ALH Mk-III (MR) Deal Worth ₹2,901 Crore

The contract for ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters which are valued at ₹2,901 crore. This has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category.

Key Features of ALH Mk-III (MR)

• Twin-engine helicopter with advanced avionics
• Designed for maritime security missions
• Can operate from shore bases and ships at sea
• Includes operational role equipment and engineering support
• Comes with performance-based logistics support

Strategic Importance

The induction of ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capability in,

• Protection of artificial islands and offshore installations
• Safeguarding fishermen
• Marine environment protection
• Maritime surveillance and search and rescue

This project will involve over 200 MSMEs and they will generate nearly 65 lakh man hours of employment, reinforcing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.

VL-Shtil Missiles Deal Worth ₹2,182 Crore

The second contract, valued at ₹2,182 crore, is for procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch (VL) Shtil missiles and associated equipment. The agreement has been signed with Rosoboronexport, Russian Federation.

Role of VL Shtil Missiles

• Strengthens air defense capabilities of frontline warships
• Provides rapid-reaction engagement capability
• All-weather operational system
• Enhances survivability in contested maritime environments

The VL Shtil system will reinforce the layered air defense architecture of the Indian Navy, protecting vessels from a wide spectrum of aerial threats.

Boost to India’s Maritime Defence Architecture

The ₹5,083 crore MoD contracts reflect India’s dual approach,

• Indigenous defense manufacturing through HAL
• Continued strategic defense partnership with Russia

While the ALH Mk III deal highlights self reliance in aerospace production, the VL Shtil missile contract underlines India’s longstanding defense cooperation with Russia.

Together, these acquisitions aim to,

• Strengthen coastal and offshore security
• Enhance naval air defense readiness
• Improve rapid response maritime capabilities
• Support domestic defense manufacturing ecosystem

Question

Q. The ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters have been procured for,

A) Indian Army
B) Indian Navy
C) Indian Coast Guard
D) Indian Air Force