Chopper diplomacy: Modi to gift Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv to Nepal

New Delhi: Showing India’s commitment to strengthening ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Tuesday hand over to Nepal an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) – Dhruv Mark 3 – which will be used for military operations. “The helicopter has already reached Kathmandu and it will be handed over tomorrow,” official sources said.[caption id=“attachment_1819617” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] An Indian Army Dhruv chopper. Reuters[/caption] The chopper is manufactured by state-owned aerospace and defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. The Mark-3 is the latest version of the original Dhruv helicopter and comes equipped with Shakti engines, new electronic warfare (EW) suite and warning systems, automatic chaff and flare dispensers and improved vibration control system. The helicopter, which can cost anywhere between Rs 60-80 crore, is currently exported to at least three other countries, including the Maldives and Ecuador. PTI