Indian Navy to get Russian Shtil missiles

NEW DELHI: India has signed defence deals worth Rs 5,083 crore to strengthen its naval and coastal security capabilities. The Ministry of Defence signed agreements to procure short-range surface-to-air ‘Shtil’ missiles from Russia and six Dhruv Mk-3 Advanced Light Helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The agreements were signed at South Block in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. A contract worth Rs 2,182 crore was signed with Russian company JSC Rosoboronexport for the supply of Shtil missiles and missile holding frames. Another contract worth Rs 2,901 crore was signed with HAL for the helicopters.

Shtil Missile: 2.5 times faster than sound

• The Shtil is a short-range surface-to-air missile system designed to defend warships from aerial threats.
• It can protect naval ships from helicopters, supersonic fighter aircraft, anti-ship cruise missiles, and drones.
• The missile operates with advanced radar and fire control systems.
• It can travel at 2.5 times the speed of sound.
• It is capable of engaging and destroying multiple targets at the same time.