India signs ₹5,083-crore defence deals to strengthen maritime security
ALH Mk-III helicopters for the Coast Guard
The Ministry of Defence signed a ₹2,901-crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to supply six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III for the Indian Coast Guard.
Key features
Twin-engine multi-role maritime helicopters.
Can operate from coastal airbases and ships at sea.
Equipped with advanced avionics and mission equipment.
Operational roles
Maritime surveillance and coastal security
Protection of offshore installations and artificial islands
Search and rescue (SAR) missions
Anti-pollution and environmental protection
Support to fishermen and disaster response
Economic and strategic significance
Procured under the Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) category.
Supports Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Supply chain involves over 200 MSMEs.
Expected to generate about 65 lakh man-hours of employment.
Shtil surface-to-air missile system for the Navy
Another ₹2,182-crore contract was signed with Russia’s state arms exporter Rosoboronexport for Shtil surface-to-air missiles to equip frontline ships of the Indian Navy.
Key features
Vertical launch surface-to-air missile system.
Capable of engaging aircraft, helicopters, drones, and anti-ship missiles.
Works in all-weather conditions with rapid reaction capability.
Strategic role
Strengthens the layered air-defence system of Indian naval platforms.
Enhances survivability of warships in contested maritime environments.
Reflects the continuing India–Russia defence partnership.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III:
It is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
It is a twin-engine helicopter used for maritime surveillance and search-and-rescue operations.
It is procured under the Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) category.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
Explanation:
ALH Mk-III is indigenously produced by HAL, is a twin-engine multi-role helicopter, and its procurement falls under the IDDM category promoting indigenous defence production.
Q. The Shtil missile system, recently in news, is best described as:
A. A submarine-launched ballistic missile
B. A ship-based surface-to-air missile system
C. A land-based anti-tank guided missile
D. A hypersonic cruise missile
Answer: B
Explanation:
The Shtil system is a naval surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed to provide air defence for warships against aircraft, helicopters, drones and incoming missiles.