New Delhi, March 3 -- The Ministry of Defence on Tuesday signed contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore for six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missile systems for the Indian Navy.

The contract for helicopters valued at Rs 2,901 crore has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category. The contract package includes operational role equipment, an engineering support arrangement and performance-based logistics support.

The induction of twin-engine helicopters is expected to strengthen the Coast Guard's capabilities in safeguarding offshore assets, artificial islands, fishermen and the ...