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Indian Coast Guard commissions indigenous ‘ALH MK-III’ helicopter
The Indian Coast Guard said the induction of ALH Mark 3 is a leap forward to self-reliance “in line with the government’s initiative towards ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’
In a big boost to India’s maritime security, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Tuesday commissioned the indigenous advanced light helicopter (ALH) MK-III aircraft at Gujarat’s Porbandar port, a week after it was inducted on June 20 in Chennai.
The ALH MK-III squadron was commissioned by ICG director general Virender Singh Pathania at the force’s air enclave on the west coast.
The commissioning of this squadron marks a leap towards self-reliance in the field of search and rescue (SAR) and maritime surveillance, in line with the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, a defense statement said.
“So far, 13 ALH MK-III aircraft have been inducted in the Indian Coast Guard in a phased manner, and four of these aircraft are positioned at Porbandar,” according to the statement. Since induction, the squadron has flown over 1,200 hours and conducted numerous operational missions, including the maiden night search and rescue mission off the Diu coast.
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The helicopters, which have been indigenously manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), feature state-of-the-art equipment, including an advanced radar and electro-optical sensors, Shakti engines, full glass cockpit, high-intensity searchlight, advanced communication systems, automatic identification system and a search-and-rescue homer.
“The rules of engagement of the force allow it to be used against anti-national elements as per laid down procedures,” Pathania said.
These features enable them to undertake maritime reconnaissance as well as carry out search and rescue at extended ranges even while operating from ships, both during day and night.
The aircraft also has the ability to switch roles from an offensive platform with a heavy machine gun to that of a benign one carrying a medical intensive care unit to facilitate transfer of critically ill patients.
The commissioning of ALH MK-III Squadron at Porbandar will give a major fillip to the abilities of the Indian Coast Guard in the security-sensitive Gujarat region, the statement added.
