BENGALURU: In a significant move to strengthen India's maritime security, four state-of-the-art ALH Mk III MR (Advanced Light Helicopter) units, manufactured by Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), have been officially handed over to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

Constant Surveillance Across the Coast

The helicopters were handed over during a ceremony held in Bengaluru on Friday. These units have been assigned to Coast Guard squadrons based in Kochi and Porbandar. The helicopters are expected to significantly enhance continuous coastal surveillance, anti-piracy efforts, and search-and-rescue operations.

Phased Delivery Schedule

2024 Agreement: Under the contract signed in March 2024 for a total of nine helicopters, the first batch of four has now been delivered.

Past Track Record: Prior to this, 16 ALH MK helicopters had already been delivered to the Coast Guard by 2022.

Future Target: An agreement has been reached to supply an additional six helicopters by March 2026.

What Makes It Special?

The MK-3 is the maritime variant of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter. Key features include:

Twin-Engine Capability: Equipped with advanced twin engines, it is ideally suited for intensive surveillance in maritime environments.

Multi-Role Design: It is designed for diverse tasks, including rescue during accidents, emergency evacuations, coastal security, and law enforcement.

Anti-Piracy: Specifically engineered to detect and prevent illegal maritime activities and piracy.

VIP Transport: The versatile craft will also be utilized for troop movements and VIP transportation.

The handover ceremony was attended by HAL’s Helicopter Complex CEO P.B. Ranga Rao, Coast Guard Commander DIG Rajesh Makwana, and other senior officials.