Coast Guard

The Coast Guard commissioned an indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)-MkIII squadron, 835 Squadron (CG), at the air enclave at Pornandar in Gujarat.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is a maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency of India with jurisdiction over its territorial waters including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.
The Indian Coast Guard was formally established by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India.
It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
It is responsible for marine environment protection in maritime zones of India and is coordinating authority for response to oil spills in Indian waters.

The indigenously designed and developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-DHRUV) is a twin engine, multi-role, multi-mission new generation helicopter in the 5.5 ton weight class.
It is a multi-role chopper with the Shakti engine manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The helicopters are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment like Surveillance Radar, Electro-Optic Pod, Medical Intensive Care Unit, High-intensity SearchLight, SAR Homer, Loud Hailer, Machine Gun and can perform other key roles.
Even at night, it will be able to alleviate low visibility during search and rescue operations.
It possesses a 0.7 mm gun, giving it a significant capability in LIMO (low intensity maritime operations).
The new autonomous flight control system outperforms the older version.
These helicopters will usher a paradigm shift in the capability in ship-borne operations and enhance coastal surveillance.
The induction of ALH MK III is a testimony to the ICG’s commitment towards “Atma Nirbhar Bharat”.

Reference

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