New Delhi, Mar 13 (Reporter) The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday signed two contracts for a combined value of Rs 8073.17 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru for acquisition of 34 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv Mk III. This contract is under the buy (Indian-IDDM - Indigenously Designed, Developed & Manufactured) category marking a significant move towards indigenisation in defence manufacturing, a Defence Ministry statement said. Of the 34 ALHs, 25 will be allocated to the Indian Army and nine will be for the Indian Coast Guard. The ALH Dhruv Mk III UT (Utility), the Indian Army version, is designed for search & rescue, troop transportation, internal cargo, recce/ casualty evacuation etc. It has proved its performance in high altitude regions like Siachen Glacier and Ladakh. The ALH Mk III MR (Maritime Role), the ICG version, is designed for maritime surveillance and interdiction, search and rescue, rappelling operations, cargo and personnel transportation, pollution response using external cargo carrying capability, and medical casualty evacuation. It has proved its mettle even in adverse atmospheric conditions over sea and land. Throughout its duration, the project is expected to generate 190 lakh man-hours of employment. It will also entail the supply of equipment from more than 200 MSMEs, and 70 local vendors will be involved in the indigenization process which is likely to have a positive impact on employment generation in this sector...////...