Through the publication of a brief official statement, the Indian Navy announced that it has signed a new contract with Russia to equip its warships with new Shtil anti-aircraft missile launch systems, seeking to significantly strengthen its ability to operate in modern environments. To finalize this purchase, which will be carried out with the participation of the state agency Rosoboronexport, New Delhi plans to invest 21.82 billion rupees (around 237 million dollars).
Quoting the official statements issued 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.”
Briefly reviewing the technical capabilities of the Shtil system in question, it should be noted that it is a design by the Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defence Corporation, derived from the design line of the land-based Buk-M1 models. As such, it has the capability to engage enemy targets located up to 45 kilometers away and traveling at speeds of up to Mach 2.5, which it neutralizes using 9M317 or 9M317M missiles, of which it can carry up to 12 units.
It is also known that the Shtil system has been part of the systems in service with the Indian Navy since 2003, when it was integrated aboard the frigate INS Talwar. This presence has continued even on INS Tamal, the last unit that makes up the class known as Krivak III (also known as the Talwar class), which was completed by the service in early July 2025 after construction was finalized at the Yantar shipyard located in Kaliningrad.
Finally, it should be mentioned that the recent announcement made by New Delhi also includes the purchase of six new ALH Mk-III (MR) light helicopters to equip the Indian Coast Guard, which are manufactured locally by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). For this purpose, the country’s treasury will have to invest more than 29 billion rupees (around 315 million dollars), with these platforms primarily intended for tasks such as the protection of artificial islands under Indian control, offshore installations, and the safeguarding of civilian maritime traffic.
*Images used for illustrative purposes
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