Indian Navy Commissions First Advanced Light Helicopter Squadron

The Indian Navy commissioned today the first Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Squadron – Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 322. The commissioning ceremony was held at INS Garuda, the Naval Air Station and mother base of INAS 322. Dhruv is the first indigenously designed and manufactured helicopter at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to provide multi role capabilities. Dhruv has been operating with the three services of the Armed Forces, Indian Coast Guard and Border Security Forces.

The squadron will call themselves “Guardians” with the credo “Search Fearlessly, Rescue Valiantly” signifying their primary role of SAR. Vice Admiral Satish Soni, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief Southern Naval Command under whose administrative control INAS 322 would function, in his address said that 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.