During the State Visit of the Honorable Prime Minister of Mauritius, H.E. Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam to India in October 2005, the Government of India agreed to extend a line of credit of US$ 100 million with a grant component of US$ 25 million. At the tenth session of the India-Mauritius Joint Commission Meeting held in Mauritius in December 2007, it was agreed to use part of the line of credit for the supply of an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). Consequently, an inter-governmental MOU was signed on February 27, 2009 between the Government of India and the Government of Mauritius for the supply of the Dhruv helicopter to the Mauritius Police Force from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). On the sidelines, an agreement was also signed with HAL, the designers and manufacturers of Dhruv helicopter. The ALH which costs around US$ 9.75 million is being funded entirely under the grant element of line of credit. 

2. Dhruv, a state-of-the-art helicopter, was transported from Bengaluru onboard the chartered flight AN 124 and was delivered in Mauritius on September 7, 2009. Technical expertise is also being provided by the HAL to Police Helicopter Squadron to operate and support the aircraft. Dhruv is expected to further strengthen Mauritius’ air surveillance capabilities and add a definitive punch to the Police Helicopter Squadron. 

3. Dhruv is a multi-role, multi-mission new generation helicopter in the 5.5 tonnes weight class built to meet Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR). It is designed for a high degree of safety and reliability and also a high degree of survivability which includes low radar, thermal and acoustic signatures. Extensive use of composites provides resistance to corrosion, longer life, ease of repair and high degree of crash worthiness. Dhruv has been designed to land on ships under high sea state conditions and on small/restricted helipads. The Dhruv is ideally suited for VVIP/VIP transport, search and rescue, offshore operations, disaster relief, Emergency Medical Service and police roles.

4. The inclusion of Dhruv in the Mauritius Police Force would result in an extensive enhancement of the present SAR capability and provide strategic depth to policing its extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The helicopter is capable of flying to islands of St Brandon, Agalega and Rodrigues. It would also significantly enhance the time at station which translates into an extended time at sea which is often the critical factor in saving precious lives in SAR missions. 

5. The supply of Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter from India to Mauritius is a significant step in furthering the bilateral defence co-operation. It reflects the firm commitment and continued engagement of the Government of India in further developing, consolidating and expanding the comprehensive multifaceted cooperation between India and Mauritius. 

September 8, 2009 
Port Louis