The Ministry of Defence signed contracts on three March 2026 valued at Rs 50,830 million (mn) for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters Mk-III in maritime role and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missiles for the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy. The agreements were concluded at South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The procurement is intended to bolster maritime security and the air defence capabilities of frontline services. The agreement for the Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-III maritime variant, including operational role equipment, an engineering support package and performance-based logistics support, is worth Rs 29,010 mn and has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru, under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category. The twin-engine helicopters incorporate advanced sensors and systems and are capable of a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields and from ships at sea. Their induction is expected to enhance the Coast Guard's capacity for safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore installations and the maritime environment. The project envisages supply of equipment from more than two hundred micro, small and medium enterprises and is expected to generate approximately six point five million (mn) man-hours of employment. The contract has been presented as reinforcing the Government's commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make-in-India initiative while strengthening the nation's maritime security architecture. Implementation will involve domestic industrial participation and long-term sustainment arrangements. The contract for Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames is valued at Rs 21,820 mn and has been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport of the Russian Federation. The acquisition is intended to substantially enhance the layered air defence architecture onboard frontline warships by providing rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability and improved survivability in contested maritime environments. The agreement also underscores the longstanding defence partnership between India and Russia based on mutual strategic alignment.