Context:
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed defence contracts worth ₹5,083 crore to strengthen India’s maritime security architecture. The agreements involve procurement of Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III for the Indian Coast Guard and Shtil surface-to-air missile systems for the Indian Navy, aimed at improving coastal surveillance, air defence, and protection of maritime assets.
Key Highlights:
- Defence Procurement Agreements
- Total contracts worth ₹5,083 crore signed by the Defence Ministry.
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will supply six ALH Mk-III helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard at ₹2,901 crore.
- JSC Rosoboronexport (Russia) will supply Shtil surface-to-air vertical launch missiles worth ₹2,182 crore.
- Strengthening Coastal and Maritime Security
- Helicopters will improve surveillance and security of artificial islands, offshore installations, and fishing communities.
- Shtil missiles will enhance air defence capability of frontline Indian naval warships.
- Support for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
- The helicopter program aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
- Over 200 MSMEs are expected to participate in the production supply chain.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III
- Indigenously designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- Multi-role helicopter capable of maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and medical evacuation missions.
- Can operate from both ships and coastal bases.
- Shtil Surface-to-Air Missile System
- Naval air defence missile system developed by Russia.
- Provides vertical launch capability and rapid-response engagement against aerial threats.
- Suitable for all-weather operations and enhances layered naval air defence.
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat
- Government initiative promoting self-reliance in manufacturing, defence production, and strategic sectors.
- Make in India
- Program encouraging domestic manufacturing and foreign investment in India’s industrial sector.
- MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises)
- Critical contributors to industrial supply chains, employment generation, and innovation.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Importance of Maritime Security for India
- India has a 7,500 km coastline and extensive maritime interests.
- Protection of offshore energy assets, sea lanes of communication (SLOCs), and fisheries is critical.
- Growing strategic competition in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) requires strong maritime capabilities.
- Strengthening India’s Coastal Defence Architecture
- Helicopters enhance maritime domain awareness and rapid response capability.
- Missile systems strengthen air defence and survivability of naval warships.
- Economic and Industrial Impact
- Indigenous defence production promotes technological innovation and domestic industry development.
- Participation of MSMEs generates employment and strengthens supply chains.
- Strategic Partnerships in Defence
- Continued procurement from Russia reflects longstanding India–Russia defence cooperation.
- Balancing indigenous production with strategic imports remains a key defence policy challenge.
- Way Forward
- Accelerate indigenization of naval and aerospace technologies.
- Expand maritime surveillance infrastructure and coastal security networks.
- Strengthen regional maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
- Promote defence exports to support domestic industry growth.
UPSC Relevance:
• GS Paper III – Internal Security: Maritime security and coastal defence.
• GS Paper II – International Relations: India–Russia defence cooperation.
• GS Paper III – Economy: Indigenous defence manufacturing and MSME participation.