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Defence Ministry Signs ₹5,083 Cr Contracts for 6 ALH Mk-II Helicopters (Coast Guard) & Shtil Missiles (Navy) from Russia

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
03 Mar 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:₹5,083 crore₹2,901 crore₹2,182 crore6 helicopters65 lakh man-hours
Bodies:Ministry of DefenceHindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)JSC RosoboronexportIndian Coast GuardIndian Navy
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.Two contracts worth ₹5,083 crore signed for defence procurement before the financial year end.

2.Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to supply 6 ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard for ₹2,901 crore.

3.JSC Rosoboronexport of Russia to supply Surface-to-Air Shtil missiles to the Indian Navy for ₹2,182 crore.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The Defence Ministry has signed two major capital acquisition contracts worth ₹5,083 crore, one for 6 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-II for the Indian Coast Guard and another for Surface-to-Air Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy. This procurement, signed in March 2026, aims to significantly enhance maritime security, air defence capabilities, and boost domestic shipbuilding and MSME sectors under the Maritime India Vision 2030.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Total Contract Value₹5,083 crore
ALH Mk-III Contract Value₹2,901 crore (with HAL)
Shtil Missile Contract Value₹2,182 crore (with Russia)
Helicopters for Coast Guard6 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-II (MR)
Expected Employment~65 lakh man-hours

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Total Contract Value: ₹5,083 crore
  • ›ALH Mk-III Contract Value: ₹2,901 crore (with HAL)
  • ›Target this Data: Total contract value of ₹5,083 crore and 6 helicopters.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of Defence, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), JSC Rosoboronexport (Russia).
  • ›Target this Policy: Maritime India Vision 2030 for domestic shipbuilding ecosystem.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

The contract for Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III was signed with which Indian defence public sector undertaking?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the defence contracts signed:

1. The total value of the contracts signed for helicopters and missiles is ₹5,083 crore.

2. The Shtil missile system is being procured to enhance the submarine detection capabilities of the Indian Navy.

3. The ALH helicopter procurement is expected to generate employment of approximately 65 lakh man-hours.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

What is the individual contract value for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy, as mentioned in the news?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

As per the article, what is a stated objective of signing the contract for Self Propelled Fuel Barges with an Indian shipyard?

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