India donates helicopter to Maldives

The Indian government has yesterday donated a helicopter to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

The helicopter was presented by Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of India’s Southern Naval Command Vice-Admiral Satish Soni and was received by MNDF Brigadier General Ali Zuhair at a ceremony held at the naval air station INS Garuda in Kochi, Kerala. The colours were unveiled by Defence Minister Colonel (Rtd) Mohamed Nazim.

The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, built by Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) is a brand new Mark-III helicopter, the latest variant of the India-made multi-role helicopters. It is due to arrive in the Maldives in February 2014.