Indian Coast Guard at Gujarat's Porbandar commissions ALH Squadron (CG)-835

New Delhi, Jun 28: In a major boost to further strengthening the Coast Guard Region North West, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on Jun 28, commissioned its Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK III helicopters at Porbandar in Gujarat. The armed version helicopter inducted today at porbandar can hit targets from 1800 metres.

 

 

 

 

The ALH MK III squadron was commissioned by the Director-General of Indian Coast Guard VS Pathania at ICG Air Enclave in Porbandar today (Jun 28). According to the ICG officials, "Indian Coast Guard has inducted an armed version of the ALH Mark 3 chopper in the Gujarat region which is armed with a 12.7 mm Heavy Machine Gun which can effectively hit targets at over 1800m." The ALH Mark 3 choppers are going to boost the maritime surveillance capabilities of the force along the border with Pakistan.

 

 

 

 

 

According to DG ICG VS Pathania, "The rules of engagement of the force allow it to be used against anti-national elements as per laid down procedures." The ICG statement reads, "The commissioning of this squadron earmarks a tremendous leap towards self-reliance in the field of SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and maritime surveillance, in line with government's vision of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat.'

 

 

The 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. Ever since its induction, the squadron has flown over 1200 hours and conducted numerous operational missions including the maiden night search and rescue mission off Diu coast.