Why is it in the news?
The Ministry of Defence signed contracts worth ₹5,083 crore for procurement of ALH Mk-III helicopters and Shtil missile systems.
The procurement aims to strengthen India’s maritime security and naval air defence capabilities.
Category: Defence
Important Points:
● Six Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III will be procured for the Indian Coast Guard from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
● The procurement falls under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category.
● ALH Mk-III are twin-engine helicopters used for maritime security operations.
● They support surveillance of offshore installations, fishermen safety and environmental protection.
● The project involves participation of more than 200 MSMEs under Make in India.
● Shtil is a ship-based medium-range surface-to-air missile system for the Indian Navy.
● It is developed by Russian defence industries and derived from the Buk missile system family.
● The system uses Vertical Launch System technology to intercept aircraft, UAVs and anti-ship missiles.