Indian Coast Guard Inducts Indigenous ALH MK-III Helicopter
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Key takeaways
- The Indian Coast Guard inducted the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK-III designated as CG 875 under Coast Guard Region (West).
- This aircraft is the first of five allotted ALH MK-III helicopters stationed at Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
- Built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the multi-role helicopter significantly strengthens India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance.
Why in News
- The Indian Coast Guard recently inducted the locally built Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK-III, known as CG 875, under Coast Guard Region (West).
- This aircraft is the first of five allotted ALH MK-III helicopters assigned to the 831 Squadron (CG) located in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra.
About ALH MK-III
- The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK-III is a multi-role aircraft built completely in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- It comes equipped with modern radar, electro-optical sensors, Shakti engines, a full glass cockpit, and a high-intensity searchlight.
- The chopper also features advanced communication gear, an Automatic Identification System (AIS), and a search-and-rescue homing system.
- It handles maritime reconnaissance, surveillance, and rescue missions across long distances while operating from ships day and night.
- The aircraft easily shifts roles from carrying a heavy machine gun for combat to serving as an airborne medical intensive care unit for critical patients.
- Its addition boosts the maritime watch, threat detection, and coastal security of the Indian Coast Guard, including protecting India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).