Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has completed delivery of 13 out of 16 Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) ‘Dhruv’ helicopters on order with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
The latest helicopter (CG 867) to be delivered was recently inducted into 840 Squadron (CG) of the Coast Guard Region (East) at Coast Guard Air Station, Chennai. The 840 Squadron’s operations area will encompass the entire Eastern Region, which faces a series of challenges due to its strategic importance and geographical location.
This is the First ALH MKIII aircraft to be positioned in Coast Guard Region (East). The new helicopters provide a dramatic boost to the ICG’s surveillance capability of India’s multi-faceted marine interests within the Exclusive Economic Zone. Three more helicopters will be added to the inventory of 840 Squadron (CG) shortly at Chennai.
ICG Dhruv MkIII helicopters are fitted with state-of-the-art ETA V3+ radar integrated with long-range imaging and identification using an Electro-Optical pod and Automatic Identification System. They also have a cabin-mounted 12.7 mm machine gun.