Govt signs deals to buy ALH Mk-III choppers, Shtil missiles

• The Ministry of Defence inked contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) and surface-to-air Shtil missiles.

• While the ALH Mk-II helicopters are being procured for the Indian Coast Guard, the Shtil missiles will be deployed onboard the Indian Navy’s warships.

• The contract for ALH Mk-III (maritime role) along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, valued at Rs 2,901 crore, has been inked with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

• These twin-engine helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art 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 will significantly 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 marine environment.

• The contract for the procurement of surface-to-air vertical launch Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames, valued at Rs 2,182 crore, 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 author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)