Published: 2 March 2026PIBGovernance
MoD Signs ₹5,083 Crore Contracts for ALH Mk-III and VL-Shtil Missiles
The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore on March 3, 2026 for six Advanced Light Helicopters ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard (₹2,901 crore with HAL) and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missile systems for the Indian Navy (₹2,182 crore with Russia's JSC Rosoboronexport).
The ALH Mk-III contract was placed under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category under Atmanirbhar Bharat. The helicopters can operate from shore-based airfields and ship flight decks for maritime surveillance, search-and-rescue, and anti-smuggling operations. The VL-Shtil system will reinforce the Navy's layered air defence architecture with rapid-reaction, all-weather capability.
Mains angle
Q: Evaluate the strategic significance of MoD's ₹5,083 crore contracts for ALH Mk-III helicopters and VL-Shtil missiles for India's maritime defence.
Answer (50 words): On March 3, 2026, MoD signed ₹5,083 crore contracts covering six ALH Mk-III Maritime helicopters for the Coast Guard with HAL (₹2,901 crore, Buy Indian-IDDM) and VL-Shtil surface-to-air missiles for the Navy with Russia's Rosoboronexport (₹2,182 crore), strengthening maritime surveillance, layered air defence and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
6-axis classification
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Frequently asked questions
What defence contracts did the Ministry of Defence sign on March 3, 2026?
The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore on March 3, 2026. They covered six Advanced Light Helicopters ALH Mk-III in Maritime Role for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missile systems for the Indian Navy.
What were the values and partners for the ALH Mk-III and VL-Shtil contracts?
The ALH Mk-III contract for the Indian Coast Guard was worth ₹2,901 crore with HAL. The VL-Shtil missile system contract for the Indian Navy was worth ₹2,182 crore with Russia's JSC Rosoboronexport.
Under which category was the ALH Mk-III contract placed?
The ALH Mk-III contract was placed under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
What capabilities do the ALH Mk-III helicopters and VL-Shtil SAM add?
The helicopters can operate from shore-based airfields and ship flight decks for maritime surveillance, search-and-rescue, and anti-smuggling operations. The VL-Shtil SAM with 40-50 km range will enhance the Navy's layered air defence architecture with rapid-reaction, all-weather capability.
