On March 3, 2026, the Ministry of Defence inked contracts worth a total of Rs 5,083 crore for the procurement 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.
Of the total order value, a contract worth Rs 2,901 crore has been awarded to HAL for the ALH Mk-III (MR), along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support. The deal has been signed under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category.
The twin-engine helicopters are equipped with advanced features and can carry out a wide range of maritime security operations from shore-based airfields as well as onboard ships. Their induction is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capabilities in safeguarding artificial islands, offshore installations, fishermen, and the marine environment.
The project is expected to involve over 200 MSMEs in the supply chain and generate nearly 65 lakh man-hours of employment. The contract also reinforces the government’s focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India initiative, while strengthening India’s maritime security framework.
Separately, the Ministry also signed a Rs 2,182 crore contract with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russian Federation, for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles and associated systems for the Indian Navy. The acquisition is aimed at bolstering the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a broad spectrum of aerial threats, enhancing the layered defence architecture and survivability in contested maritime environments.
HAL shares have had a weak start to the year, declining 10% since January.
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