Kochi: The first advanced light helicopter squadron comprising Dhruv helicopters was commissioned by Vice-Admiral Shekhar Sinha, flag officer commanding-in-chief, Western Naval Command, on Tuesday.
Dhruv is the first indigenously-designed and manufactured helicopter by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. With its multi-role capabilities, it has proved its mettle in all the three services of the Armed Forces, Indian Coast Guard, BSF and in the inventory of foreign countries.
The squadron is named Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 322. Addressing the commissioning ceremony parade, Vice-Admiral Sinha said that in the Navy, Dhruv has 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.
