Current Affairs - Awards and Honours - Discussion

The Ministry of Defence signed major defence procurement contracts worth ₹5,083 crore on March 3, 2026, aimed at strengthening India’s maritime security and air defence capabilities. The agreements included the purchase of six ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard and VL-Shtil surface-to-air missiles for the Indian Navy. These contracts were signed at South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The ALH Mk-III deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited supports indigenous manufacturing under the “Buy (Indian-IDDM)” category, while the VL-Shtil missile agreement with Russia’s Rosoboronexport enhances the layered air defence system of Indian naval warships.