Indian Coast Guard inducts made-in-India choppers for maritime security of west coast

Source : WION

Indian Coast Guard inducts two more ALH Mk3 helicopters designed and built by HAL

The Indian Coast Guard inducted two Advanced Light Helicopters Mk3 variants at Kochi, under the 845 Squadron. These made-in-India helicopters are designed and built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and ten of these are being operated by the Indian Coast Guard.

The Mk 3 variant of the chopper is a maritime version that can be used for reconnaissance, long-range search and rescue, during both day and night.

Water cannon salute accorded to 2 @HALHQBLR built ALHMk3 choppers being inducted into #kochi @IndiaCoastGuard base #kerala #India #maritime #security #helicopter #AtmaNirbharBharat https://t.co/QMkLMSNtov pic.twitter.com/Avg40zBLtq

— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 10, 2022

@IndiaCoastGuard inducts 2 indigenously designed & built ALH Mk 3 choppers at Kochi

This maritime variant is capable of day&night ops , has heavy MGun

Big boost to maritime security in #Kerala #Karnataka & #lakshadweep

Till date 10 such helos delivered to ICG by @HALHQBLR pic.twitter.com/AQFLIp7y0w

— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 10, 2022

The two choppers, based at Kochi, are aimed at boosting coastal security along the coast of Kerala, Karnataka and around Lakshadweep, on India’s West Coast.

The ALH Mk 3 features an array of systems that were previously seen on heavier, multi-role helicopters. This variant is fitted with modern surveillance radar and electro-optical equipment. It is also fitted with a heavy machine gun and a removable intensive care unit, that would be useful in airlifting and providing relief to critically ill patients. With a host of advanced avionics, this chopper is an all-weather aircraft.

The ALH Mk3 squadron in Kochi will be commanded by Commandant Kunal Chandrakant Naik, who is an experienced qualified flying instructor with extensive operational experience in ALH Mk3