The Indian Government has granted approval for the acquisition of 34 Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv helicopters for the Army and Coast Guard.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has given its nod to two distinct proposals for purchasing these helicopters.
Noteworthy, CCS is a cabinet committee of the Government of India that discusses, debates and is the final decision-making body on senior appointments in the national security apparatus, defence policy and expenditure, and generally all matters of India’s national security.
Manufactured indigenously by Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, these helicopters will serve various purposes within the respective forces.
Government officials revealed to India Today that the Indian Coast Guard is set to receive nine (9) helicopters, while the Indian Army will be incorporating twenty-five (25) into its fleets.
These Dhruv helicopters are intended to replace ageing light utility helicopters in the Coast Guard, while the Army will deploy them for diverse roles.
The combined value of both projects is anticipated to exceed Rs 8,000 crore, signalling a significant boost to the process of indigenisation.
Additionally, the government has given the green light to a project aimed at upgrading the BMP infantry combat vehicles within the mechanised infantry directorate of the Indian Army.
Besides, on Thursday, the government also cleared a proposal by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft under the advance medium combat aircraft program.
