Helicopter, developed in India, taking part in International Military Exercise.
The Advance Light Helicopter [ALH] Dhruv programme has been a major Indian success story. In its various configurations, the HAL-developed Dhruv has enjoyed wide adoption across services in India, including export successes.
A significant end-user of these helicopters is the Indian Army. Operated by the Army Aviation Corps [AAC], they play a crucial role in transporting men and materials across the length, breadth & heights of the country.
Here, the Dhruv, painted in desert camouflage pattern, is seen carrying out insertion of heliborne troops into a simulated battlefield, demonstrating "infiltration behind enemy lines and link-up with an intelligence source, carrying out visual surveillance of a known enemy Electronic Warfare post and targeting of an enemy vehicle convoy". From last year’s International Army Scout Masters Competition, organised by Southern Command’s XII Corps, in Jaisalmer.
This IA-1106 Dhruv airframe belongs to the AAC’s 201 Army Aviation Squadron AAS, the Night Raiders. In 2001, it was the first ALH Squadron, the Army raised, performing the role of Utility Helicopter [UH].
The Scout Masters Competition forms part of the International Army Games conceived by Russia, the first edition of which took place in 2015. Hosted with the aim to "showcase combat training and promote camaraderie amongst the contestants, facilitate sharing of best practices as well as develop military and technical cooperation between participating nations", besides consolidating strategic relationships, they see participation of Armies from Russo-friendly countries.
The Indian contingent drew men and material from the 2nd Battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, who stood in the first position, overall, winning 4 of the 5 stages of competition. Scouts, or Reconnaissance troops, form the "Eyes and Ears" of the Combat Arms, providing vital information about the adversary.
The ALH programme has spawned a number of successive programmes, including the weaponised Dhruv variant, the WSI Rudra.
Godspeed