Indian Navy has gone for local new aircraft.

According to information published by New Indian Express on March 18, 2021, there have been orders placed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for fixed wing aircraft and rotary wing helicopters.
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ALH Advanced Light Helicopter MK III during Aero India 2021 (Picture source: Indian Navy)

Shripad Naik, Minister of State (MoS), Defence said on Wednesday: “Indian Navy has placed orders for Aircraft 12 Dorniers, 16 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH MK III), 8 Chetak helicopters by (HAL).”

MoS Defence was replying in Lok Sabha to a question asked by Ravindra Kushwaha, MP from Salempur in UP.

The minister admitted delays into the delivery process.

Aircraft deliveries have been delayed due to supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic and delays in submarine delivery have been caused due to defects observed during trials.

The 5.5-tonne ALH Mk III is powered by two Shakti 1H1 engines (1032kW each) which allows the helicopter to operate at an altitude of up to 6,000 metres (20,000 feet). The basic role of ALH Mk III will be to transport soldiers and equipment to high-altitude areas as well as help in relief and rescue operations.

The ALH Mk III can carry 14 fully armed and equipped soldiers for rapid deployment. Basically built for utility roles of defence forces for high altitude operations, the ALH Mk III comes equipped with Integrated Architecture Display System (IADS) with Digital Moving Map.