Porbandar: 835 Squadron (CG), an indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK III squadron, was commissioned into the Indian Coast Guard at its Air Enclave here today.
Director-General, Coast Guard, VS Pathania, presided over the commissioning ceremony which was attended by various military and civil dignitaries. The commissioning of this squadron marks a leap toward self-reliance in the field of Search and Rescue (SAR) and maritime surveillance, the Ministry of Defence said.
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, a full glass cockpit, high-intensity searchlight, advanced communication systems, an automatic identification system as well a 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 a heavy machine gun to that of a benign one carrying a Medical Intensive Care Unit to facilitate the transfer of critically ill patients.
So far, 13 ALH MK-III aircraft have been inducted into 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 the 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, the Ministry of Defence said.
Photo courtesy Twitter
– global bihari bureau
