India needs more helicopters compared to West and China as these wonder machines have proved their mettle in variety of uses by Armed Forces in general, during natural calamities and internal security threats, said Dr. R.K. Tyagi, Chairman, HAL. Pointing out that these machines ensure better governance but the country has far less copters compared to over 35,000 that are operational across the world, he said what is needed is a national helicopter policy. Dr. Tyagi was addressing the delegates of National Workshop on “Use of helicopters for Airborne Law Enforcement (ALE)” organized by the Rotary Wing Society of India (Southern Region) here today. He also stressed on benefits of indigenisation and self-reliance. “India is one of the six helicopter producing nations in the world. HAL Dhruv remains our pride” he added.

Dr. G. Asho Kumar, Jt Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation spoke on the innovative ways of helicopter usage to help the administration at various levels. “Currently these machines are underutilized” he said. Wg Cdr Unnikrishna Pillai, Chief Test Pilot (Rotary Wing) made a presentation on how helicopters, Dhurv in particular, were helpful in the recent Uttarakhand relief operations. Col Sasikumar, SM delivered the key-note address and Air Vice Marshal K. Sridharan, VM spoke on importance of helicopters in ALE.

The day-long workshop also deliberated on regulatory guidelines for ALE and the ALE needs of Karnataka.