India orders six helicopters for coast guard, VL-Shtil missiles for navy

March 5, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The Indian Ministry of Defense has signed contracts for the acquisition of six advanced light helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (maritime role) for the Indian Coast Guard and surface-to-air vertical-launch Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.

The contracts, worth ₹5,083 crore ($610–615 million), were inked in the presence of Defense Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi.

The contract for ALH Mk-III (MR), along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, has been inked with Hindustan Aeronautics.

According to the officials, these twin-engine helicopters incorporate modern features superior to the currently operated airborne platforms and are capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea.

The induction is expected to enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capability for fulfilling the duties of safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore installations, and protection of fishermen and the marine environment.

The project envisages the supply of equipment from more than 200 MSMEs and is expected to generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment. The contract reinforces the Government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make-in-India initiative, while further strengthening the nation’s maritime security architecture, it was highlighted.

Meanwhile, the deal for the procurement of missiles and associated missile holding frames has been signed with Russia’s JSC Rosoboronexport. The acquisition is intended to substantially enhance the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats.

The system will reinforce the layered air defence architecture onboard the platforms of the Indian Navy by providing rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability and improved survivability in contested maritime environments.

The contract further underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment.