The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has put its stamp of approval for the procurement of 34 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv Mk III along with Operational Role Equipment.
The Ministry of Defence has inked two contracts with state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) worth Rs 8073 crore for ALH Dhruv MkIII. Out of the 36 helicopters, the Indian army will get 25 and the Indian Coast Guard will get nine. Marking a significant move towards self- reliance these will come under the Buy (Indian-IDDM – Indigenously Designed, Developed & Manufactured) category.
About ALH Dhruv Mk III
The Indian Army is getting the ALH Dhruv Mk III UT (Utility) which is meant for Search & Rescue, Recce/ Casualty Evacuation, Troop Transportation, Internal Cargo, etc. It has proved its performance in high altitude regions like Siachen Glacier and Ladakh.
The ALH Mk III MR (Maritime Role), the ICG version, is designed for Maritime Surveillance and Interdiction, Search and Rescue, Rappelling Operations and also for Cargo & Personnel Transportation, Pollution Response using external cargo carrying capability and Medical Casualty Evacuation. It has proved its mettle even in adverse disturbance conditions over sea and land.
With this big project getting approved by the CCS, almost 190 Lakh Man-Hours employment during its duration is expected to be generated. Also, supply of equipment from more than 200 MSMEs and 70 local vendors will be involved in the indigenisation process.
In July 2022, the Indian Coast Guard commissioned a squadron (its third) of made-in-India Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv Mark III at Porbandar in Gujarat. The helicopters commissioned by ICG director-general VS Pathania could fulfil both offensive and reconnaissance roles as they have 12.7 mm heavy machine guns that can hit targets at a range of 1,800 metres.
In May 2022, the Coast Guard proudly welcomed its second ALH Dhruv Mark III squadron into service, stationed strategically in Kerala. Four of these advanced helicopters now stand ready in Kochi, spanning the coastlines of Karnataka, Kerala, and the picturesque Lakshadweep islands, bolstering maritime security and rescue capabilities across the region.
Distinguished by its specialized design tailored for high-altitude operations, the Mark III variant boasts an array of cutting-edge features, including an electronic warfare suite and countermeasure system, enhancing its utility in defence services.
Moreover, the armed variant, tailored for attack, close-air support, and high-altitude missions, is equipped with a formidable arsenal, comprising weapon systems and mission sensors. These include a turret gun, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, a helmet-pointing system, infra-red jammer, data link, and obstacle avoidance system, ensuring optimal performance in combat scenarios.
Powered by robust Shakti engines and featuring a state-of-the-art full-glass cockpit, these helicopters are further equipped with high-intensity searchlights, indispensable for maritime search-and-rescue operations. Additionally, they boast a removable medical intensive care unit (MICU), facilitating swift medical evacuations for critically ill patients, underscoring the versatility and lifesaving potential of these remarkable aircraft.