Indian MoD orders 34 Advanced Light Helicopters

The HAL Dhruv ALH has become a mainstay of the Indian Army’s rotary-wing capabilities. In this image, an Indian Army Dhruv hovers as Australian Army troops from the 13th Brigade conduct a drill in India in 2022. (Commonwealth of Australia)

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to acquire 34 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv Mk IIIs.

The INR80.7 billion (USD973.8 million) contract was announced on 13 March and covers 25 ALH Dhruv Mk IIIs for the Indian Army with role-specific equipment and nine for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), according to the Indian MoD.

Janes understands that the 34 helicopters will be delivered in batches from later this year. “The deliveries will be staggered. We expect all deliveries to be completed by 2026–27,” an industry source told Janes on 15 March.

The contract for the 34 helicopters was signed within a week of India’s Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approving the requested acquisition on 7 March.