- The commissioning of this squadron earmarks a tremendous leap towards
self-reliance in the field of Search and Rescue (SAR) and maritime surveillance, in line with government’s vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.
NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, JUNE 28
In a major boost to further strengthening the Coast Guard Region North West, an Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK III squadron was commissioned by Director General VS Pathania, PTM, TM, Indian Coast Guard at ICG Air Enclave, Porbandar on Tuesday, June 28. The occasion was graced by various military and civil dignitaries based at Porbandar and Gujarat area.
So far, 13 ALH MK-III helicopter🚁 have been inducted in @IndiaCoastGuard in phased manner & 04 of these 🚁 are positioned at Porbandar
Since induction, Sqn has flown 1200+ hrs & done many Op missions incl maiden night search & rescue mission off Diu coast@NCC_Dte_Gujarat @ANI pic.twitter.com/Fzx62ux1NE
— PRO Defence Gujarat (@DefencePRO_Guj) June 28, 2022
The commissioning of this squadron earmarks a tremendous leap towards self-reliance in the field of Search and Rescue (SAR) and maritime surveillance, in line with government’s vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.
ALH MK III helicopters that have been indigenously manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) features
state-of-the-art equipment, including advanced radar as well as Electro optical sensors, Shakti engines, full glass cockpit, high-intensity searchlight, advanced communication systems, automatic identification system as well as search-and-rescue homer. These features enable them to undertake maritime reconnaissance as well as carry out search and rescue at extended ranges even whilst operating from ships, both by day and night.
The aircraft has the ability to switch roles from an offensive platform with heavy machine gun to that of a benign one carrying a Medical Intensive Care Unit to facilitate transfer of critically ill patients.
So far, thirteen 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.
Since induction, the Squadron has flown over 1,200 hours and conducted numerous operational missions, including the maiden night search and rescue mission off Diu coast. The unit is commanded by Commandant Sunil Dutt.
The commissioning of ALH MK-III Squadron at Porbandar will give a major fillip to the abilities of Indian Coast Guard in the security sensitive Gujarat region.
