Two Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters Mark-III were inducted into the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The choppers will be based out of Kochi’s Coast Guard Aviation Squadron. These choppers were the ninth and tenth in a series of 16 ALH.
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KEY POINTS:
- HAL is building and delivering helicopters to the Coast Guard at four bases: Porbandar, Bhubaneshwar, Kochi, and Chennai.
- Two ICG facilities in Bhubaneswar and Porbandar have already received eight helicopters.
- The Indian Coast Gurad bought these ALH MK III helicopters for a variety of operations, including maritime surveillance, search and rescue, medical evacuation, ship logistical support, and interdiction, making ALH the ideal flying vehicle for specialised missions.
IMPORTANT TAKEAWAYS ABOUT ALH MK- III
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) created and developed the HAL Dhruv utility helicopter (HAL).
- HAL Dhruv’s development was confirmed in November 1984.
- The helicopter initially flew in 1992, although it took longer to build due to a number of issues, including the Indian Army’s request for design improvements, funding constraints, and sanctions imposed on India after the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests.
The ALH MK- III is powered by two Shakti engines and is equipped with surveillance radar, electro optic pod, medical urgent care unit, high-intensity searchlight, infrared suppressor, heavy machine gun, and glass cockpit.