The 840 Squadron (CG) is expected to provide a major fillip to the abilities of the coast guards in the security-sensitive waters off Tamil Nadu and Andhra region.
(SNS)
In a major step towards self-reliance in helicopter manufacturing in line with the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, an Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III squadron was commissioned in Chennai on Thursday.
The commissioning of 840 Squadron (CG) is expected to provide a major fillip to the abilities of the Indian coast guard in the security-sensitive waters off Tamil Nadu and Andhra region.
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The ALH Mk-III helicopters, indigenously manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), 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 search-and-rescue homer.
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These features enable the helicopter to undertake maritime reconnaissance as well as carry out search and rescue at extended ranges while operating from ships, both by 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.
A total of 16 ALH Mk-III aircraft have been inducted into the Indian coast guard in a phased manner and four of these aircrafts are positioned in Chennai. Since induction, the squadron has flown over 430 hours and conducted numerous operational missions.
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