Indian Navy commissions Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter squadron

The first Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) squadron was commissioned Tuesday by Western Naval Command.
The ALH, named Dhruv, is the first indigenously designed and manufactured helicopter built by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It has proven its multi-role capabilities and its mettle in all the three services of India's armed forces, besides in the Indian Coast Guard, the Border Security Force, and in the inventory of foreign countries.
The newly commissioned squadron would be known as the Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 322.
Such machines in the inventory have become imperative for the navy, given the scenario of low-intensity maritime operations and coastal security.
The commissioning ceremony was held at INS Garuda, the Naval Air Station and mother base of the INAS 322.

The Indian Army's First ALH Rudra Armed Copter

At Aero India, standing outside the HAL pavilion is the first ALH Rudra that will be delivered this week to the Indian Army.

- Shiv Aroor-livefist

India's Rudra Armed Copter Achieves Initial Clearance

The Advanced Light Helicopter Mk.4 Rudra armed helicopter for the Indian Army has achieved initial operational clearance (IOC). Dr. K. Tamilmani, CEO, Center for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) presented the certificate to HAL in Bangalore today.

HAL's rotorcraft division chief P. Soundara Rajan said, “In this particular case it involved four major groups of systems and weapons, involving eight countries: Israel, France, Belgium, South Africa, Germany, Italy, USA and India. Nearly 23 km of cables had to be laid and hundreds of hours of flight and ground tests were carried out."

Shiv Aroor livefist

PHOTOS: India's ALH Rudra Armed Copter

Shiv Aroor-livefist

Certification Next Week, First Rudra Copter To Army At Aero India

With certification complete, the first weaponised ALH Dhruv armed helicopter, christened Rudra, will formally receive certification next week. The Indian Army will receive its first Rudra at Aero India that kicks off on February 6 at the Yelahanka air force base in South India.

Shiv Aroor-livefist

India plans to install AEW on Army helicopters

The Indian Army is in the final stages of ordering a helicopter-borne early warning system. This system will be fitted on the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

learn more