Consequent upon approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the Ministry of Defence signed two contracts for a combined value of Rs 8073.17 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru on 13 March 2024 for acquisition of 34 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv Mk III.
MoD Signs Contracts Worth Rs 8073 Cr With HAL For ALH Mk III
MoD two contracts for a combined value of Rs 8073.17 crore with HAL on 13 March 2024 for acquisition of 34 ALH Dhruv Mk III along with Operational Role Equipment for Indian Army (25 ALHs) and ICG (09 ALHs) under Buy (Indian-IDDM). The ALH Dhruv Mk III UT (Utility), the Indian Army version, is designed for Search & Rescue, Troop Transportation, Internal Cargo, Recce/ Casualty Evacuation 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 atmospherics conditions over sea and land.
ALH Dhruv Mk III
The HAL Dhruv is a utility helicopter designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in November 1984 HAL conceptualised the Advanced Light Helicopter programme in 1984. The major variants of Dhruv are classified as Dhruv Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III & Mk-IV.
Features
•The aircraft, a step up from Mk 1, will be able to mitigate low visibility during search and rescue operations even at night.
•It has a 0.7 mm gun, which will give a huge capability from a LIMO (low intensity maritime operations) standpoint.
•The automatic flight control system is hugely superior to the previous one.
Manufacturer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Engine type: Turboshaft
Top speed: 282 km/h
Range: 660 km
Weight: 2,502 kg
Introduced: 2002
