The Indian Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts worth a total of ₹5083 crore for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopter MK-III for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch systems

The Indian Ministry of Defence has signed two contracts worth a total of ₹5083 crore ($550 million) for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK-III (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy. The contracts were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi.

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ALH MK-III MR was designed to suit the operational needs of the Indian Coast Guard by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It features a nose-mounted surveillance radar with a range of over 200km and an electro-optical sensor with a range of over 50km. It can mount two ASW torpedoes and is equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun. It also features a removable medical intensive care unit (MICU) to undertake the medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) role.

The induction will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capability for fulfilling the duties of safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore installations, and protection of fishermen & marine environment.