Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced the signing of a major contract worth ₹2,901 crore with the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This agreement is for the supply of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk III (Maritime Role) to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The deal, finalized on March 3, 2026, is under the ‘Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)’ category and includes comprehensive support packages.
HAL Secures Contract for Six ALH Mk-III (MR) Helicopters
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) formally announced that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a significant contract with the company on March 3, 2026. The contract value stands at ₹2,901 crore.
The primary objective of this agreement is the supply of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk III (Maritime Role) tailored for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). This procurement falls under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category, emphasizing national self-reliance.
Scope of Supply and Support
The order encompasses not only the state-of-the-art twin-engine helicopters but also includes crucial ancillary elements:
- Operational role equipment necessary for mission execution.
- An engineering support package for long-term maintenance.
- Performance-based logistics support to ensure maximum serviceability.
These helicopters feature superior, state-of-the-art capabilities, enabling them to conduct a wide spectrum of maritime security missions, including operations from shore-based airfields and ships at sea. Their induction is set to significantly enhance the ICG’s capacity for protecting artificial islands, offshore installations, and Indian fishermen.
Economic and Strategic Impact
This project is aligned with the national commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make-in-India initiative. The development process is expected to involve supply chains from more than 200 MSMEs, contributing significantly to the domestic economy by generating approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment.
Related Defence Procurement Announcement
The Ministry of Defence simultaneously signed other significant contracts on the same day, totaling Rs 5,083 crore. One related contract involved the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy from JSC Rosoboronexport, valued at Rs 2,182 crore, aimed at bolstering frontline warship air defence capabilities.
Source: BSE
