Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-III squadron, commissioned in Chennai

Tags: Defence National News

With a view to further strengthen Coast Guard Area East, 840 Sqn (CG), an Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III squadron was commissioned by DG VS Pathania on 30 November at ICG Air Station, Chennai.

Important facts

• The commissioning of 840 Sqn (CG) marks a significant progress towards self-reliance in helicopter manufacturing, in line with the government's vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

• It will provide a fillip to the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard in the security sensitive waters of Tamil Nadu and Andhra region.

• A total of 16 ALH Mk-III aircraft have been inducted into the Indian Coast Guard in a phased manner and four of these aircraft are positioned in Chennai. 

• Since induction, the squadron has flown over 430 hours and conducted numerous operational missions.

About ALH Mk-III helicopters

• The ALH Mk-III helicopters, indigenously manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

• It features state-of-the-art equipment including advanced RADAR as well as Electro optical sensors, Shakti engines, full glass cockpit, high-intensity search light, advanced communication systems, automatic identification system as well as search-and-rescue homer. 

• The facility will enable the squadron to conduct maritime reconnaissance, and conduct search and rescue operations over extended ranges, operating day and night from ships.

• The aircraft has the ability to switch from an offensive platform with a heavy machine gun for transfer of critically ill patients to a benign platform carrying ICUs.