INAS 325 Commissioned
Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 325, operating the indigenously built ALH Mk-III aircraft, was commissioned into the Indian Navy by Lieutenant General Ajai Singh, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar at a ceremony held at INS Utkrosh, Port Blair on 31 May 2022. The newly inducted aircraft flew for the first time over the Andaman Islands earlier this year and were officially inducted on 28 January 2022. The unit is the second ALH MK III Squadron commissioned into the Indian Navy. The Squadron derives its name from the nocturnal bird of prey, the 'Eagle Owl'. The keen sense of observation and tracking of the eagle exemplifies the Sensors and advanced avionics of the helicopter akin the nocturnal prowess of the owl, personify the night vision capabilities of the aircraft. These helicopters come with the latest-generation avionics and role equipment. They are primarily meant for use in long range SAR and maritime recce role. They can also be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Islands. The helicopter has a surveillance radar, EO/FLIR, homer, high-intensity searchlight and a removable Medical Intensive Care Unit for the air ambulance role. The squadron is commanded by Cdr Avinash Kumar Sharma, who is a highly proficient and experienced pilot qualified on Chetak, UH-3H and ALH helicopters with more than 2300 hrs of flying and over 17 years of service.
Induction of CG 867 ALH Mk-III
Indian Coast Guard inducted indigenous ALH Mark-III aircraft, CG 867, into Coast Guard Region (East) at Chennai on 20 June 2022. The aircraft was received at Coast Guard Air Station, Chennai with a traditional ‘water cannon salute’. By positioning the ALH MK III at Chennai, the Coast Guard has achieved a multifold capability of Beyond Visual Range detection using the state of the art ETA V3+ radar integrated with long range imaging and identification using the Electro Optical Pad and Automatic Identification System. The aircraft additionally is equipped for carrying out target neutralisation, bringing to use its cabin mounted 12.7 mm heavy machine gun.
ALH Mk-III squadron commissioned into ICG Porbandar
835 Squadron (CG), an indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK III squadron, was commissioned into Indian Coast Guard at its Air Enclave in Porbandar, Gujarat on 28 June 2022. DG, Coast Guard VS Pathania presided over the commissioning ceremony which was attended by various military and civil dignitaries based at Porbandar and Gujarat area. The ALH MK III helicopters have been indigenously manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). They feature 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 SAR homer. The features enable them to undertake maritime reconnaissance as well as carry out SAR at extended ranges even while operating from ships during both day and night. The aircraft has the ability to switch roles from an offensive platform with heavy machine gun to that of a benign one carrying a Medical Intensive Care Unit to facilitate transfer of critically ill patients. So far, 13 ALH MK-III aircraft have been inducted in the Indian Coast Guard in a phased manner and four of these aircraft are positioned at Porbandar. Since the induction, the squadron has flown over 1,200 hours and conducted numerous operational missions, including the maiden night SAR mission off Diu coast. The 835 Sqn (CG) is commanded by Commandant Sunil Dutt. The commissioning will give a major fillip to the abilities of the Indian Coast Guard in the Gujarat region and further strengthen the country’s maritime security.
