Why in news?
The Indian aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited handed over four maritime‑role Advanced Light Helicopter Mk III helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard. This delivery, part of a larger contract for domestically built helicopters, enhances the Coast Guard’s ability to monitor and respond across the vast Indian coastline.
Background
The ALH Mk‑III is a naval variant of the indigenously developed Dhruv helicopter. Designed and built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the twin‑engine aircraft is tailored for maritime tasks ranging from surveillance to search‑and‑rescue. A contract signed in March 2024 called for nine such helicopters; sixteen had already been delivered under earlier orders, and an additional six were ordered in March 2026. The latest batch handed over in April 2026 demonstrates India’s growing self‑reliance in rotary‑wing technology and its commitment to strengthening coastal security.
Key features
- Multi‑role design: The Mk‑III is a single‑stage, twin‑engine helicopter equipped to perform maritime reconnaissance, search‑and‑rescue, casualty evacuation, coastal security patrols, law‑enforcement support, troop transport, logistics and even anti‑piracy missions.
- Advanced avionics: A modern glass cockpit with digital displays aids pilots in all‑weather operations. Night‑vision compatibility and automatic flight control improve safety and allow round‑the‑clock missions.
- Maritime sensors: The helicopter carries a nose‑mounted surveillance radar, electro‑optical/infrared sensors and a forward‑looking infrared (FLIR) system that can track vessels, detect objects at sea and assist in rescue missions.
- Rescue equipment: A high‑intensity searchlight, rescue hoist and medical evacuation kit enable the aircraft to extract survivors from ships or remote locations and provide first aid during transit.
Indian Coast Guard overview
The Indian Coast Guard is a maritime armed force functioning under the Ministry of Defence. It was constituted in 1978 to safeguard India’s maritime interests, enforce law on the seas, assist fishermen and protect the marine environment. Headquartered in New Delhi, the force’s motto is “Vayam Rakshamah” – “We protect.” With the addition of indigenous ALH Mk‑III helicopters, the Coast Guard can respond more swiftly to incidents such as piracy, pollution or distress calls within India’s exclusive economic zone.
Significance
- Boosting maritime security: The helicopters extend the range and endurance of surveillance missions, enabling the Coast Guard to monitor shipping lanes and identify suspicious vessels along India’s 7,500‑kilometre coastline.
- Indigenous capability: Developing and producing advanced helicopters in India reduces reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthens domestic aerospace industries.
- Force multiplier: By combining state‑of‑the‑art sensors, night‑operational capability and rescue equipment, the Mk‑III improves response time during disasters such as oil spills, cyclones or capsized boats.
Conclusion
The delivery of ALH Mk‑III helicopters marks a milestone in India’s efforts to build a robust, home‑grown maritime aviation fleet. As more of these versatile aircraft join the Coast Guard, they will strengthen coastal surveillance, save lives at sea and enhance the nation’s preparedness against maritime threats.
Source: The Hindu
