The Ministry of Defence has signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore

The Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore to strengthen maritime security, which has emerged as a major challenge globally, under which six modern Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) MK-III (Marine Role) will be provided to the Indian Coast Guard and Surface to Air Vertical Launch - Short Range Missiles will be provided to the Indian Navy. These contracts were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, Delhi.

A contract for Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK-III (MR) helicopters, with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistic support, worth Rs 2,901 crore, has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru, under the category of Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured).

These twin-engine helicopters are equipped with the latest technology and are far better than the existing ones being operated from the current air platforms. These helicopters have the capability to perform a wide range of maritime security missions, not only from coastal aerodromes but also from ships out at sea.

The induction of these helicopters will enhance the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard, enabling it to perform its duties more efficiently and effectively, such as protecting artificial islands and offshore installations, protecting fishermen, and safeguarding the marine environment. This project is expected to provide a boost to the indigenous manufacturing sector, with the involvement of over 200 MSMEs and generating employment of approximately 6.5 lakh man-hours. This contract reinforces the Government's commitment to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan' and 'Make in India' initiative, while strengthening the country's maritime security framework.

A contract for the procurement of Surface to Air Vertical Launch Short Range Missiles and associated Missile Holding Frames has been signed with Russian company JSC Rosoboronexport, worth Rs 2,182 crore. The aim of this acquisition is to significantly enhance the Air Defence capability of Frontline Warships, enabling them to effectively counter various aerial threats. This system will further strengthen the multi-layered Air Defence suite of Indian Navy ships, providing enhanced response capability, capability to tackle threats in all weather conditions, and enhanced survivability of warships in littoral and blue waters.

This contract also highlights the long-standing and time-tested Defence partnership between India and Russia, based on mutual trust and strategic convergence.