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BANGALORE (BNS): Fulfilling its commitment to supply 159 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) to the Indian armed forces, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Thursday handed over the first batch of five such choppers to the Indian Army.

The new Dhruv Mk-III multi-utility helicopters were handed over to Major General P K Bharali, ADG, Army Aviation by Soundara Rajan, MD, Helicopter Complex in the presence of senior HAL officials and Army personnel during the ongoing Aero India 2011 show.

The new group of choppers, powered by Shakti engines which will provide long endurance capability, will be used in multiple missions including transportation and search and rescue (SAR) operations.

The Dhruv Mk-III has received its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) certification. The DGAQA had cleared its air worthiness.

HAL was awarded a contract in 2007 to deliver 159 Dhruv Mk-III helicopters to the Indian Army and Indian Air Force by 2015-16.