ADVANCED LIGHT HELICOPTERS INDUCTED AT INS PARUNDU
Two indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) were formally inducted at Indian Naval Air Station, INS Parundu situated at Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu on March 23rd 2022. The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, AVSM, YSM, VSM was the Chief Guest at the induction ceremony. The helicopters were traditionally welcomed by a water cannon salute at the dispersal in presence of Civil Dignitaries and naval personnel of INS Parundu. The basing of ALH MK III would enhance the maritime surveillance over Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay and Comorin Region and also provide extended ranges for maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) both, by day and night.
The ALH MK III helicopter manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a maritime role variant whi ch can operate from Naval Ships and Air Stations. The helicopter can be used to undertake armed patrol missi ons, casualty evacuations and SAR operation. The helicopter has a state-of-the-art Maritime Patrol Radar and Electro-optical payload which enhances the surveillance capability. These capabilities will enable the Indian Nav y to expand its operational canvas even further and maintain a round-the-clock vigil over the waters in this re gion.
Indian Navy is at the forefront of indigenisation which is well reflected in the Navy’s current and future acqui si tion plans. Induction of the ALH MK III helicopters represents a tremendous leap towards the mandate of ‘Atm anirbhar Bharat’. The conceptualisation, production and subsequent induction of 16 of these Helicopters into th e naval inventory is an example of the close coordination between the Indian Navy and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
INS Parundu presently operates the Heron RPA and Chetak helicopters. The induction of these helicopters will give a major boost to the naval operation in this region.
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PS/CS/03/22
