Indian Navy signs new Russia contract for Shtil anti-aircraft missile launch systems

In a short official communiqué, the Indian Navy confirmed it has agreed a fresh contract with Russia to fit its warships with new Shtil anti-aircraft missile launch systems, a move intended to markedly improve operations in today’s threat environment. The deal, to be executed with the involvement of the state agency Rosoboronexport, will see New Delhi allocate 21.82 billion rupees (around 237 million dollars) to complete the purchase.

Indian Navy air-defence upgrade: what the Ministry of Defence says

Citing the official remarks released by the Indian Ministry of Defence: “This acquisition aims to substantially enhance the air defense capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats. The system will strengthen the layered air defense architecture aboard Indian Navy platforms, providing rapid reaction capability and all-weather combat performance, as well as greater survivability in contested maritime environments. The contract further underscores the long-standing and well-established defense partnership between India and Russia, built on mutual trust and strategic alignment.”

Shtil system capabilities and design background

Looking briefly at the Shtil system’s technical profile, it is worth noting that the solution is produced by the Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation and is based on the design lineage of the land-based Buk-M1 family. In practical terms, it can engage hostile targets at ranges of up to 45 kilometres and at speeds reaching Mach 2.5, defeating them with 9M317 or 9M317M missiles, with a load of up to 12 rounds.

Service history in India: INS Talwar to INS Tamal (Krivak III / Talwar class)

The Shtil system has also been present in Indian Navy service for over two decades, having been installed on the frigate INS Talwar in 2003. That continuity extends to INS Tamal, the final ship in the class known as Krivak III (also known as the Talwar class), which entered service in early July 2025 after construction was completed at the Yantar shipyard in Kaliningrad.

Separate procurement: ALH Mk-III (MR) helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard

In addition, the same New Delhi announcement covers the acquisition of six new ALH Mk-III (MR) light helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard, to be built domestically by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Funding for this purchase will require an outlay of more than 29 billion rupees (around 315 million dollars), with the aircraft intended chiefly for missions including protecting artificial islands under Indian control, supporting the security of offshore installations, and safeguarding civilian maritime traffic.

Images used for illustrative purposes

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