A recent statement from the Ministry of Defence reveals a significant development in India's defence capabilities. In a deal worth Rs 8,073 crore, the Indian Army and the Coast Guard are set to receive 34 Dhruv Mk III helicopters. This procurement follows the approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and entails two contracts signed with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).
The acquisition comprises 25 helicopters for the army and 9 for the Coast Guard, falling under the Buy (Indian-IDDM – Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured) category. The Dhruv Mk III helicopters are equipped with operational role equipment tailored to the specific needs of each force.
For the army, the Dhruv Mk III UT (Utility) version is configured for diverse tasks such as search and rescue missions, troop transportation, internal cargo handling, and casualty evacuation. Notably, its performance has been proven in challenging terrains like the Siachen Glacier and Ladakh.
On the other hand, the Coast Guard will benefit from the Dhruv Mk III MR (Maritime Role) variant, designed to excel in maritime surveillance, interdiction operations, search and rescue missions, rappelling, cargo and personnel transportation, as well as pollution response activities. Its reliability in adverse weather conditions, both over land and sea, underscores its suitability for coastal operations.
Apart from enhancing defence capabilities, this project is poised to stimulate economic growth by generating approximately 190 lakh man-hours of employment. Moreover, it will foster indigenisation efforts by involving over 200 MSMEs and 70 local vendors in the supply chain, contributing to the vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and bolstering employment opportunities in the sector.
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