The Ministry of Defence India has concluded a deal worth 21.82 billion rupees ($237 million) with Rosoboronexport for the procurement of the Shtil-1 vertical-launch air defense system to equip vessels of the Indian Navy. The acquisition is aimed at strengthening the fleet’s ability to defend against a wide range of aerial threats.
Manufactured by Almaz-Antey, the Shtil-1 system is capable of tracking and engaging multiple airborne targets at distances of up to 45 kilometers. Based on the Buk-M1 platform, the system can deploy up to 12 interceptor missiles, including the 9M317 and 9M317M, to intercept aircraft and anti-ship missiles traveling at speeds reaching Mach 2.5. The system was first integrated into the Indian fleet aboard the INS Talwar in 2003.
Separately, the ministry has also signed a 29-billion-rupee ($315 million) contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to supply six Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-III configured for maritime operations for the Indian Coast Guard. The agreement covers mission equipment, engineering support services, and performance-based logistics.
The twin-engine helicopters are designed to provide improved operational capability compared with existing platforms and can perform various maritime security tasks from land bases as well as naval vessels. The project will involve more than 200 domestic micro, small, and medium enterprises and is expected to generate roughly 6.5 million man-hours of employment across India.
