the Police Helicopter Squadron, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Polic…
(No. B/910) Mr S. Jugurnauth (Second Member for Savanne & Black River) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the Police Helicopter Squadron, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Commissioner of Police, information as to – 132 (a) the number of helicopters currently available thereat, indicating the number of qualified and licensed pilots presently authorised to operate same; (b) whether Government proposes to increase the number of helicopters within its fleet and, if so, the number thereof and expected timeline therefor, (c) whether the recruitment of additional personnel, including pilots, maintenance staff and technical officers, is being envisaged.
Reply: The Police Helicopter Squadron (PHS) was established in 1974 through a Police Standing Order No. 102 as a unit of the Mauritius Police Force and is responsible for the operation and management of Police Helicopters. As regards part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that the current fleet of the Police Helicopter Squadron comprises 8 helicopters as follows – 3 Dhruv Helicopters; 1 Fennec Helicopter, and 4 Chetak Helicopters. 2 helicopters, 1 Fennec and 1 Dhruv from the fleet are currently undergoing major overhaul in Airbus South Africa and in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, India, respectively. I am further informed that there are presently 10 qualified and trained pilots posted to the Police Helicopter Squadron, including 2 Indian Air Force Officers on deputation to the Government of Mauritius. They are all licensed and authorised to operate the Police Helicopters. With regard to part (b) of the question, I am informed that the present fleet of 8 helicopters adequately meets the Police operational requirements. It is therefore not envisaged, at this stage, to increase the number of helicopters. However, in view of the ageing and the unavailability of maintenance support for the Chetak Helicopters beyond 2035, a replacement plan is being implemented whereby 4 Light Utility Helicopters will be acquired to replace the Chetak fleet under an Indian Special Economic Grant Package. As per the plan, 1 helicopter will be inducted in 2029, 2 in 2030, and the remaining in 2031 along with the gradual decommissioning of the Chetak Helicopters. As regards part (c) of the question, recruitment of Cadet Officers (Graduates – Flying Branch, PHS) is carried out by the Disciplined Forces Service Commission. The last recruitment exercise was undertaken in 2022. On 25 August 2025, the Commissioner of
133 Police has recommended the enlistment of one trainee Cadet Officer to be trained overseas and locally as pilot. I am further informed by the Commissioner of Police that, as at 23 October 2025, there are 107 technicians posted at the PHS. The technicians are responsible for routine maintenance of the helicopters and their peripherals. Each year, an average of 8 suitable Police Officers are selected and trained locally as well as overseas to be posted at the PHS for maintenance duties. LES SALINES – NEOTOWN PROJECT – COMPENSATION