HAL Signs ₹51 Billion Deal with MoD, Rosoboronexport for Helicopters, Missiles

HAL informed the exchanges through a press release that it has signed contracts with Ministry of Defence (MoD) worth nearly ₹51 billion for the acquisition 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. 

The agreements were inked on Tuesday with the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh New Delhi, according to the  release. The contract for ALH Mk-III (MR), valued at ₹29.01 billion, was signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru, under the ‘Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)’ category. The deal includes operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support.

The ministry stated that these twin-engine helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art features superior to currently operated airborne platforms. The assets are capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields and ships at sea. The release added that the induction will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capability to protect artificial islands, offshore installations, fishermen, and the marine environment.

According to the official statement, the project envisages the supply of equipment from more than 200 MSMEs and is expected to generate approximately 6.5 million man-hours of employment. The MoD noted that the contract reinforces the government’s commitment to ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and the Make-in-India initiative while strengthening the nation’s maritime security architecture.

The second contract for Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames, valued at ₹21.82 billion, was signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russian Federation.

The acquisition intends to substantially enhance the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats.

The document stated that the system would reinforce the layered air defence architecture onboard Indian Navy platforms by providing rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability and improved survivability in contested maritime environments. The ministry added that the contract underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment.