Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence on March 3 signed two major contracts worth Rs 5,083 crore to acquire helicopters and missiles for the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy respectively. The agreements were signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in the National Capital.
Out of the total amount, a contract worth Rs 2,901 crore has been signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III in the Maritime Role for the Indian Coast Guard. The deal has been finalised under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category.
These twin-engine helicopters are equipped with modern features and are more advanced than the currently operated platforms. They can carry out a wide range of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea.
“These twin-engine helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art features superior to the currently operated airborne platforms and are capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea,” Ministry of Defence said in a statement. Their induction is expected to significantly improve the Coast Guard’s ability to protect offshore installations, artificial islands, fishermen and the marine environment.
The project will involve more than 200 MSMEs in the supply chain and is expected to generate around 65 lakh man-hours of employment. The government said the contract reflects its commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India initiative, while also strengthening maritime security.
