Indian Navy commissions first indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter

The Indian Navy commissioned Tuesday its first indigenously made Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) squadron in the southern port city of Kochi, local media reported. The ALH was commissioned by Western Naval Command Chief Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha. The ALH, named Dhruv, is the first indigenously designed and manufactured helicopter built by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, said Indo-Asian News Service. It has proven its multi-role capabilities and its mettle in all the three services of India's armed forces, besides in the Indian Coast Guard, the Border Security Force, and in the inventory of foreign countries, said the news service. Admiral Sinha said the ALH helicopters have been transformed into advanced search and rescue helicopters. They are also used for 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 and coastal security, he added.