In the heart of New Delhi, India, the Cabinet Committee on Security has given its nod to a proposal outlining the acquisition of 34 cutting-edge Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv aircraft. Among these, nine are slated for deployment within the Indian Coast Guard, while the Indian Army is set to integrate the remaining 25 into its formidable fleet. The production of these helicopters will be undertaken by the esteemed Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
Insiders from the upper echelons of the government informed ANI that the Indian Coast Guard is earmarked to receive a batch of nine of these helicopters. Simultaneously, the Indian Army is poised to assimilate a substantial fleet of 25, representing a significant stride toward fostering indigenization. Sources further revealed that the helicopters designated for the Indian Coast Guard are positioned to supplant antiquated light utility helicopters, while their counterparts in the Indian Army are anticipated to serve versatile roles.
These twin initiatives are anticipated to carry a combined valuation surpassing Rs 8,000 crore, thereby infusing a considerable impetus into the overarching agenda of indigenization. The government has also accorded approval for a parallel initiative focusing on the modernization of the BMP infantry combat vehicles under the purview of the mechanized infantry directorate within the Indian Army. The Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv) represents a paradigm of versatility within the 5.5-ton weight category, conceived, and developed indigenously by HAL, standing as a testament to technological prowess.