HAL ALH MK-III Helicopter: Indian Navy Monday inducted three advanced light helicopters in the Eastern Naval Command that is responsible for safety and security of the country’s eastern sea-shores, including Bay of Bengal. The three HAL ALH MK-III helicopters are built by state owned aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and are capable of long range reconnaissance, surveillance, search and rescue operations.
The induction ceremony of ‘322 Dega Flight’ was held in the presence of Vice Adm Ajendra Bahadur Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) with three indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) MK III helicopters flying into Naval Air Station, INS Dega on Monday.
“With the induction of these Maritime Reconnaissance and Coastal Security (MRCS) helicopters, the Eastern Naval Command got a major boost towards enhancing the capabilities of the force, in pursuit of the maritime interests of the nation,” said the ministry of defence.
These helicopters, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, are state-of-the-art flying machines and constitute a major step in our quest for ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’ (a self-reliant India in defence), said the MoD.
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HAL Advanced Light Helicopter MK III
ALH MK III helicopters feature an array of systems previously seen only on heavier, multi-role helicopters of the Indian Navy.
Water canons welcomed the new helicopters in Indian Navy.
These helicopters are fitted with modern surveillance radar and electro-optical equipment, which enable them to undertake the role of maritime reconnaissance in addition to providing long-range Search and Rescue, both by day and night.
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In addition to special operations capabilities, ALH MK III is also fitted with a heavy machine gun to undertake constabulary missions. A removable Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) is also fitted on ALH MK III helicopters to airlift critically ill patients.
The helicopter also has a host of advanced avionics, making it truly an all-weather aircraft.
The flight is being led by Commodore SS Dash as the first flight commander who is an experienced ALH Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) with extensive operational experience.
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