Indian Coast Guard receives new HAL helicopters
Three Advanced Light Helicopter manufactured by Indian-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) were inducted into the Indian Coast Guard
The helicopters will be positioned in Bhubaneswar, Porbandar, Chennai and Kochi and will be part of different Coast Guard Aviation Squadrons.
A virtual program was held simultaneously at the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Headquarters in Delhi and at Helicopter MRO Division of HAL in Bengaluru.
Taking up challenging tasks
Dr Ajay Kumar, Defense Secretary, said: “The helicopters with advanced sensors will enable ICG to take up challenging tasks. This is the first time performance based logistics is being introduced in the Indian aviation sector, a modern management practice that will increase operational and maintenance efficiency. The sophisticated helicopters being handed over today will be a game changer for the operational capability of ICG in the times to come.”
The helicopters are equipped with a surveillance radar, an electro optic pod, a medical intensive care unit, and a high intensity search light and can perform multiple key roles.