The Indian Navy’s first Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) or Dhruv Squadron was commissioned at Kochi on Tuesday by Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Western Naval Command.
Dhruv is the first indigenously designed and manufactured helicopter at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and with its multi role capabilities has proven her mettle in all the three services of the Armed Forces, Indian Coast Guard, Border Security Force and in the inventory of foreign countries.
The plaque unveiled squadron’s name ‘Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 322’.
Vice Admiral Sinha said “In the Navy, Dhruv helicopters has transformed into an advanced search and rescue (SAR) helicopter also used for missions like heliborne operations, and armed patrol with night vision devices. Such machines in the inventory have become imperative for the Navy given the scenario of low intensity maritime operations (LIMO) and coastal security construct.”
“The versatile aircraft would soon be cleared for night SAR role, one of the few helicopters in the world to have that capability over sea,” said Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command.
