Indian Navy inducted 3 Indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) MK III into its Eastern Naval Command (ENC) during the ‘322 Dega Flight’ induction ceremony held at INS Dega (Naval Air Station), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
- The ALH Mk-III has been designed & built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) as part of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
- The ALH Mk-III are Maritime Reconnaissance and Coastal Security (MRCS) helicopters which will enhance the capability of the force and also protect India’s maritime interests.
- The flight is led by Commander SS Dash as the 1st Flight Commander.
- Vice-Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) was present during the ceremony.
ALH Mk-III
i.They are fitted with modern surveillance radar and electro-optical equipment which will help them in performing the role of maritime reconnaissance.
- It is fitted with a heavy machine gun to undertake constabulary missions.
- In order to airlift critically ill patients, the helicopters are fitted with a Removable Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU).
- ALH Mk-III powered by Shakti Engine is a variant of the ALH-Dhruv.
ii.Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 323, the first unit of the indigenously built ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) Mk III aircraft, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in April, 2021.
Background
- Around 16 Aircrafts are under procurement and are being delivered in a phased manner to the Indian Navy.
- During the Aero India 2021 held in Bengaluru, Karnataka, HAL delivered 3 ALH Mk-III to the Indian Navy.
Recent Related News:
On April 19, 2021, Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 323, the 1st Unit of the Indigenously built ALH Mk-III Aircraft was commissioned into the Indian Navy at INS Hansa, Goa.
About Indian Navy:
24th Chief of the Naval Staff – Admiral Karambir Singh
Headquarters – New Delhi
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) – R Madhavan
Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka