The Ministry of Defense has entered into an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru on March 13, 2024 for the acquisition of 34 Advanced Type Light Helicopters (ALH) after the approval of the Cabinet Committee on National Security (CCS). Two contracts with a combined value of Rs 8073.17 crore have been signed under the (Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category. The deal marks an important step towards indigenization in defense manufacturing of Dhruv Mk III with operational role equipment for the Indian Army (25 ALH) and Indian Coast Guard (09 ALH).
The ALH Dhruv Mk III UT (Utility) variant developed for the Indian Army is designed for relief and rescue, troop transport, internal cargo, recce/casualty evacuation etc. The ALH Dhruv Mk III UT has proven its capabilities in high altitude areas such as Siachen Glacier and Ladakh.
ALH Mk III MR (Maritime Role) variant for the Indian Coast Guard, designed for maritime surveillance and interdiction, search and rescue, rappelling operations and pollution response using external cargo carrying capability for cargo and personnel transport and medical casualty evacuation. Has gone. This helicopter has proven its capability even in adverse atmospheric conditions at sea and on land.
The project will generate employment for an estimated 190 lakh man-hours of labor during its duration. This will also include supply of equipment from more than 200 micro, small and medium enterprises and 70 local vendors will be involved in the indigenization process. This initiative is likely to have a positive impact on employment generation in the region, thereby taking forward the vision of 'Self-reliant India'.