A delegation consisting of representatives from the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and Department of Defence visited INS Shakti and interacted with the crew in charge of operating the domestically manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters, according to the Indian Navy Tuesday's announcement on X (formerly known as Twitter).
The purpose of the visit is to bolster naval cooperation and interoperability between the navies of India and the Philippines, as stated in a press release from the Indian Ministry of Defence.
The reason behind the deployment of the Indian Navy's to the Philippines is India’s ambition to become a military equipment exporter in the region, Vice Marshal Anil Golani (Retd), Director General of Centre for Air Power Studies told Sputnik India.
He believes, that having already supplied the Philippines with BrahMos missiles, the next strategic move entails the Philippines acquiring ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) Dhruv helicopters.
The Philippines is
actively seeking security and stability due to ongoing tension in the region and India is viewed as a reliable partner in this regard, Golani stressed.
The enhanced cooperation between the
Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and India's defence sector will pave the way for India to emerge as a leading defence exporter, not just to the Philippines, but to other countries in the region as well.
This interest reflects a gradual evolution in
Philippine's defence procurement strategy, seeking capabilities beyond their immediate zone, according to the expert.
Vasan mentioned that the ALH Dhruv Mk III Maritime Role is equipped for Maritime Surveillance, Interdiction, Search and Rescue Operations, Rappelling, Cargo and Personnel Transport, and Pollution Response. Furthermore, the vehicle can carry external cargo and conduct medical evacuations from remote or isolated areas, he added.
Moreover, the ALH has shown itself to be cost-effective compared to its Western rivals, remaining competitively priced while maintaining a high level of competence, he argued. Vasan stressed that ALH Dhruv’s availability and survivability in battle situations are notably high, making it an attractive option for the
Philippines' military needs.
If discussions between operators at various levels lead to a positive impression and alignment with requirements, it's possible that the Philippines may consider acquiring the ALH Dhruv, Captain Sarabjeet S Parmar (Retd), Distinguished Fellow at the United Service Institution of India assumed during the conversation with Sputnik India.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is increasing its helicopter manufacturing capacity from 30 to 90 helicopters per year in anticipation of potential export orders, as per the press release of the Indian Ministry of Defence.
Earlier this year, CB Ananthakrishnan, the Chief Managing Director of HAL, expressed optimism about securing ‘breakthrough’ export orders.
During the first-visit of a Filipino Coast Guard chief to India last year, a Customer Demonstration Flight was conducted aboard the Advanced Light Helicopter MK III in Goa.