NEW DELHI, March 3 -- The defence ministry on Tuesday signed two contracts worth Rs.5,083 crore for six advanced light helicopters (ALH) for the coast guard, and Shtil surface-to-air vertical launch missiles for the navy to boost their operational readiness.

The ALH contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is worth Rs.2,901 crore and covers operational equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, while the one for missiles was signed with Russia's Rosoboronexport and is valued at Rs.2,182 crore, the defence ministry said.

The induction of the new ALHs will significantly enhance the coast guard's capability to carry out duties, including the protection of artificial islands, offshore installation...