By IANS
Bangalore : The Indian Army will induct 40 more utility variant of the Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH) manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) from next year (2008), Chief of Army Staff Gen J.J. Singh declared here Friday.
“We have placed an order with HAL for 40 more Dhruv copters to strengthen our aviation fleet. The deliveries will begin in batches from next year. We are already operating two squadrons of 10 copters each and a third squadron will be formed soon with the induction of 10 more aircraft,” Singh told reporters here after witnessing the flight demonstration of Dhruv’s new version powered with the prototype Shakti engines at the HAL airport.
Singh also assured top HAL officials that the army would look forward to induct the weapon-ised variant of Dhruv in its aviation fleet when the Shakti-powered copters would be ready for delivery after their certification and operational clearance.
Sharing his experience of flying Dhruv in a Rajasthan desert during the ‘Operation Parakram’ exercise (December 2001-October 2002) along with army aviation pilot Col Siddhu, Singh said he was convinced of its capability and utility for the armed forces during peacetime and in the battlefield.
“We are committed to encourage our defence establishments in the indigenous production of aircraft, helicopters, battle tanks, ships and other equipment to achieve self-reliance and face challenges in defending the country.
“We are proud to have inducted 20 Dhruv copters for our operations despite some teething problems in the initial stages. HAL has also taken effective measures to reduce the vibration problem. Having flown in other copters, I think Dhruv is as good as we can get,” Singh pointed out.
Singh, who is on a two-day visit to the city, visited the aircraft and copter divisions of HAL to familiarise himself with the various projects being undertaken for the armed forces.