After years of indecision and delayed certification from the Army, state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has started work on the production of 159 Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) to be handed over to the Indian Army. The helicopter division of HAL has already produced ALHs which have been handed over to the Border Security Force and exported to foreign nations.
In a recent media report, top HAL officials indicated that close to 100 ALH helicopters that are flying in India and abroad. HAL has already handed over seven ALHs to Border Security Force (BSF) with a firm order in hand for 159 ALH for the army, HAL will now be focusing on the production and the delivery of these choppers is expected to begin next year. HAL officials added that it is focusing on producing Weapon System Integrated (WSI) ALH and the work is gaining good momentum on that front. HAL will also offer the Dhruv ALH for homeland security and police forces.
According to HAL’s helicopter division, the Dhruv ALH is one of the most superior choppers for pilot comfort and its handling features. HAL’s helicopter division has manufactured over 100 Dhruv ALHs. Besides handing over seven ALHs to Border Security Force (BSF) recently for anti-insurgency operations, the helicopter division has also produced ALHs which have been exported to Ecuador, Mauritius and Maldives. The helicopter division of HAL has also produced more than 600 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters and has several orders lined up.
The Indian Army had been skeptical on confirming the order for a while due to various pertaining to Dhruv’s performance level in the long run. However, the Indian Army Chief recently indicated that the army is satisfied with the Dhruv ALH and is going for 159 choppers. The Army Chief V.K.Singh has indicated earlier that they were dissatisfied due to maintenance and serviceability factor of the choppers. The Indian Army had to request the Defence Ministry for greater improvement in the helicopter's design and more efforts by HAL to ensure that the serviceability of the helicopter remains much high.
While the Dhruv ALH is considered an indigenous chopper, there has been much speculation on the indigenous content of the Dhruv ALH. According to HAL, while more than half of the raw material is imported, the percentage of the number of components that are made in India for the Dhruv ALH is over 85 per cent. The raw material is sourced from abroad but its design, development, testing, qualification and manufacturing occurs in India. Besides, the entire avionics is also produced locally. While basic raw materials from which the helicopter is made has to be exported, HAL proposes to do value-addition to the material.
Source:DefenceNow
