Indian Army Helicopters - Dhruv, Rudra, and Janmejay

I was reading an article from the web edition of a respected news channel, and there was lot of ambiguity and at times information was simply incorrect. Then I realized that for defence news, we do lack specialized journalists. Though, there are some exceptional defence journalists like Shiv Aroor and Ajai Shukla, but other than that most of the defence news is being covered by journalists who (lets be fair to them)  does not have defence as their forte.

At times I have also seen some glaring goof ups on television. When INS Arihant was launched, there was a television channel whose correspondent went to the extent to declare INS Arihant as commissioned !!! 

Then there was another news channel, where a correspondent was reporting live on an air show. When Phalcon AWACS flew by, he proudly mentioned them as Refueling Tankers for Indian Air Force. Goof-up was fine, but the confidence and that sheer articulation with which he was trying to provide a commentary on that air show, to be honest, that was extremely embarrassing to watch.

Anyways, coming back to this post, as I mentioned on the top I just read an article from the web edition of a respected news channel, where there was lot of confusion on Dhruv, Rudra and LCH Janmejay. As per my understanding and to the best of my knowledge, I will provide some details about these three helicopters.

Dhruv

Dhruv is a utility helicopter, it is sometimes also mentioned as Advanced Light Helicopter or simply ALH. Dhruv has been exported to Nepal and Ecquador.

( Image Courtesy - army-technology.com ) 

Rudra

Rudra is the armed version of Dhruv helicopter, it is sometimes also mentioned as Light Attack Helicopter or simply Attack Helicopter.

( Image Courtesy - defence.pk )

Janmejay

Janmejay is the name for HAL Light Combat Helicopter for use by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army. This is the one, which is still in development and trial phase. At HAL Bangalore (old airport road) you can see a hoarding (bill-board) with details about this helicopter, however the name Janmejay is yet to be announced, officially.

( Image Courtesy - defenceforumindia.com )

An Active Defence Original

CRPF looking to establish its own Air Wing

In a move that could be a precursor to the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) raising its own air wing, the para-military force is hiring two helicopters for troop movement in Maoist-dominated areas in nine states. These helicopters will be under the sole command of CRPF for operational purposes. So far, the CRPF has been relying on either the Indian Air Force or the Border Security Force who have their own Air Wing for troop movement and lifting injured during operations.

Evacuation of injured personnel by a Border Security Force Helicopter ( Image Courtesy - bp.blogspot.com ) 

The CRPF, one of the biggest para-military force, has sent a proposal to the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking their nod to hire two choppers for operational purposes. "We have already forwarded a proposal to Ministry of Home Affairs for hiring two helicopters which will be maintained and controlled by the CRPF." CRPF DG Pranav Sahay told reporters at the 73rd annual press conference. Sahay was confident that the ministry will give a go ahead to their proposal.

There had been difference of opinion between the Air Force and the CRPF over emergency sorties. For instance, in a recent Jharkhand encounter, Air Force’s MI17 roped in for the evacuation of injured was delayed because of bad weather. Later, BSF’s Dhruv flew and airlifted injured personnel to a hospital in Ranchi. 

The CRPF believes that helichopters will give advantage to the force in thick jungles of Chattisgarh and Jharkhand in launching counter attack against the Maoists. Also, they will be able to save lives of injured personnel.

News Courtesy - deccanherald.com