Indian Navy and Coast Guard receive new Advanced Light Helicopter Mk III.

The Indian Navy on February 5, 2021, the Indian Navy and Coast Guard have officially received an upgraded version of the ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter), MK III (MR) during Aero India 2021.

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Indian Navy and Coast Guard have officially received the new ALH Advanced Light Helicopter MK III during Aero India 2021 (Picture source: Indian Navy)

The ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) Dhruv is a utility helicopter designed and developed locally in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The development of the ALH began in November 1984 and the first flew was conducted in 1992 and it entered in service in 2002.

The ALH is a twin engine, multi-role, multi-mission new generation helicopter in the 5.5-ton weight class. The basic Helicopter is produced in skid version and wheeled version. The ALH Dhruv is “type –Certified” for Military operations by the Centre for Military Airworthiness Certification (CEMILAC) and civil operations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Certification of the utility military variant was completed in 2002 and that of the civil variant was completed in 2004. The deliveries of production series helicopters commenced from 2001-02 onwards. A total of 228 Helicopters have been produced by March 2017 including 216 for the Indian Armed Forces.

The major variants of ALH Dhruv are classified as Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III & Mk-IV. The MK III is an improved version equipped with Shakti-1H engines, new electronic warfare (EW) suite and warning systems, automatic chaff and flare dispensers, and improved vibration control system.