The defence ministry appears to be harping on making the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) designed and manufactured, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), ?Dhruv? a lethal platform for the military services, despite a reported shrug from the very own country?s Navy, citing lack of basic operational requirements.
The silent endorsement of the ALH Dhruv came during the recent two day visit of defence minister AK Antony, accompanied by a high-level delegation including the chief of army staff general Deepak Kapoor, defence secretary Vijay Singh and senior defence and home ministry officials to the line of control (LoC). The minister flew in the special helicopter ?Dhruv? to Balbir Post, in Baramulla sector along the LoC.
Sources in the defence ministry told FE that ?the efficacy of the ALH `Dhruv? too was discussed by the high-level delegation, which found the ?Dhruv? a `very good? helicopter and how it should be inducted in the services.?
?We are committed to encourage our defence establishments in the indigenous production of aircraft, helicopters, and other equipment to achieve self-reliance and face challenges in defending the country,? sources added.
This assumes significance in the backdrop of the Indian Navy reportedly writing off the naval version of the ALH, saying it has failed to meet basic operational requirements. The Navy, which operates a fleet of six ALHs, has decided against placing further orders with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). According to senior officials in the Indian Navy, the indigenous ALH lacks the desired endurance for mission requirements.
Infact, last year, what was expected to be a big deal in the international market, ALH which was shortlisted by the Chilean army for 8-10 machines, lost the deal to the American company Bell Helicopters. The Dhruv has also been exported to Nepal and Israel, and is also being considered for purchase by Bolivia and Peru. However, HAL remains upbeat about its sales as the ministry of defence has recently entrusted it with the task of developing light utility helicopters for the army and the air force. And for this Rs 435 crore has been allocated by the MoD. HAL has recorded the sales of Rs 8,350 crore last year, which was 50% of all defence public sector undertakings, and also had an export earning to the tune of Rs 325 crore.
The DPSU in its recent meeting with the defence minister had said that it has big plans for focusing on the helicopter business and for this purpose plans are afoot to to set up a new helicopter division in Bangalore. A multi-role advanced helicopter, Dhruv, is currently being supplied to the Indian Armed Forces, including the Indian Coast Guard, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and the Indian Army. A civilian variant is also available, which has been supplied to the various state governments and other organisations.