Navy Commissions first Advanced Light Helicopter Squadron

The first squadron of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Dhruv, of the Navy was today commissioned here by Vice-Admiral Shekhar Sinha Flag Officer Commanding in Chief of Western Naval Command.

Dhruv is the first indigenously designed and manufactured helicopter at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and with its multi-role capabilities has proven its mettle in all the three services of the Armed Forces, Indian Coast Guard , BSF and in the inventory of foreign countries, a Naval release said.

The squadron would have the name Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 322.

Addressing the commissioning ceremony parade, Vice Admiral Sinha said that in the Navy, Dhruv helicopters had transformed into an advanced search and rescue (SAR) helicopter, also used for missions like 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 (LIMO) and coastal security construct, he said.

Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command, under whose administrative control INAS 322 would function, said the versatile aircraft would soon be cleared for night SAR role, one of the few helicopters in the world to have that capability over sea.

He also expressed satisfaction that the ALH would beef up the coast security architecture.