Additional Dhruv helicopters for Indian Coast Guard and Army
In early March 2024, the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved a proposal for 34 new Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH). Nine of these helicopters will be allocated to the Indian Coast Guard (Bharatiya Thatrakshak), while the remaining 25 will be assigned to the Indian Army Aviation Corps.
The Indian Coast Guard is set to replace its existing fleet of helicopters, likely including the SA316B (HAL) Chetak and Dhruv Mk.I models. According to the Scramble database, the Indian Coast Guard currently operates 18 Dhruv helicopters, with two still being the Mk.I version and the remaining 16 being Mk.III versions. Additionally, they manage a fleet of 21 Chetak helicopters.
The Indian Army, equipped with three different Dhruv versions (Mk.I, Mk.III, and Mk.IV Rudra), possesses a total inventory of over 175 Dhruv helicopters. The exact type on order for the army has not been reported.
The manufacturing of these helicopters will be undertaken by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). However, no specific delivery schedule has been reported.
Credit photo: Shrey Chopra (Scramble Archive)