Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a significant contract with the Ministry of Defence for the supply of 06 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk III (Maritime Role) to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The contract, valued at ₹2,901 crore, includes operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support. This acquisition falls under the 'Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)' category. The ALH Mk-III helicopters are twin-engine aircraft equipped with state-of-the-art features, designed to enhance the ICG's capabilities in maritime security missions, including protecting artificial islands, offshore installations, fishermen, and the marine environment. The project is expected to involve over 200 MSMEs and generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment, reinforcing the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make-in-India' initiatives. This announcement was made on March 3, 2026, and is part of a larger defence deal worth ₹5,083 crore, which also includes the procurement of Vertical Launch - Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy.
