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Two-Day NCC ADGs/DDGs Conference Starts in New Delhi

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New Delhi: The two-day conference of the Additional Directors General (ADGs) and Deputy Directors General (DDGs) of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) commenced at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, on 12 March 2026. Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh addressed the conference on the opening day.

In his address, Defence Secretary emphasised the importance of transforming the National Cadet Corps in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047. He also appreciated the NCC’s significant contribution to various social outreach programmes conducted across the country.

Defence Secretary, in his interaction with the ADGs and DDGs of all NCC Directorates, called for synergised efforts aligned with the policies and initiatives of the Central Government. Such efforts, he noted, would contribute towards the more effective realisation of the goals and objectives of the National Cadet Corps.

Director General (NCC) Shri Virendra Vats highlighted the initiatives undertaken during the past year to expand the NCC and enhance infrastructure and logistical support. Key issues related to quality of training, infrastructure development, as well as emerging domains such as drone and cyber training were discussed in the conference.

The conference serves as an important platform for senior NCC leadership to deliberate on key policy issues, share best practices and chart a roadmap for further strengthening the organisation and its training framework in the years ahead.

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COVER STORYDefence Industry & TechnologyMILITARY

MoD Inks ₹5,083 Cr Defence Deals for ALH Mk-II, VL-Shtil

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New Delhi: Ministry of Defence, on March 03, 2026, signed contracts worth a total of Rs 5,083 crore for the acquisition of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-II (Maritime Role) for the Indian Coast Guard and Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles for the Indian Navy. The contracts were inked in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi.

ALH Mk-III (MR)

The contract for ALH Mk-III (MR) along with operational role equipment, an engineering support package, and performance-based logistics support, valued at Rs 2,901 crore, has been inked with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bengaluru under the Buy (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) category.

These twin-engine helicopters incorporate state-of-the-art features superior to the currently operated airborne platforms and are capable of undertaking a wide spectrum of maritime security missions from shore-based airfields as well as from ships at sea. The induction will significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s capability for fulfilling the duties of safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore installations, and protection of fishermen & marine environment.

The project envisages supply of equipment from more than 200 MSMEs and is expected to generate approximately 65 lakh man-hours of employment. The contract reinforces the Government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make-in-India initiative, while further strengthening the nation’s maritime security architecture.

Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles

The contract for the procurement of Surface-to-Air Vertical Launch – Shtil missiles and associated missile holding frames, valued at Rs 2,182 crore, has been signed with JSC Rosoboronexport, Russian Federation. The acquisition is intended to substantially enhance the air defence capabilities of frontline warships against a wide spectrum of aerial threats.

The system will reinforce the layered air defence architecture onboard the platforms of the Indian Navy by providing rapid-reaction, all-weather engagement capability and improved survivability in contested maritime environments. The contract further underscores the longstanding and time-tested defence partnership between India and Russia, founded on mutual trust and strategic alignment.

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