New Delhi: The Indian Navy received three advanced light helicopters from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday. The ‘made in India’ Mark-III Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) has been customised for coastal security.
According to the newest agency IANS, the HAL delivered three out of the 16 Mk-III helicopters to Indian Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh at Aero India. These are fully loaded multi-mission helicopter is fitted with an array of advanced sensors.
The Indian Navy had ordered 16 Mk-III to supplement its ageing and depleting fleet of Alouettes (Chetaks) – from HAL. Mark-III features a full glass cockpit with HAL’s Integrated Architecture Display System (IADS), more powerful “Shakti” (Safran Ardiden 1H1) engines and a host of new systems.
These helicopters are primarily meant for use in a shore-based role and they come up with latest-generation avionics and role equipment.
Future of IOR depends on cooperative efforts of nations
On Thursday, Admiral Karambir Singh had asserted that the future of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) depends on the cooperative efforts of littoral (close to the shore) nations.
“In many ways, the future of the IOR hinges on the cooperative efforts of its littoral nations. Prosperity and security for all in the IOR can only be accomplished if the nations set out and achieve it together,” he had said while speaking at the Indian Ocean Region Defence Ministers’ Conclave.
The navy chief put emphasis on the security and prosperity of IOR nations.
“The concept of security and growth for all in the region remains crucial. Indian Navy believes that each one amongst us in IOR is an equal and critical partner in the business of keeping seas safe and secure,” Singh had said.
STATEMENT FROM HAL
Bengaluru, February, 2021:HAL today handed over three Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH Mk III) to Indian Navy and two ALHs to Indian Coast Guard as part of its 16 ALHs contract at the ongoing Aero India 2021. The helicopters were handed over by Mr. R. Madhavan, CMD. HAL to Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Naval Staff and Mr. K. Natarajan, DG, Coast Guard in the presence of Defence Minister, Mr Rajnath Singh.
“The remaining helicopters from the contract are under various stages of production, flight tests and we plan to deliver all the helicopters within the contract delivery schedules despite production slowdown due to COVID restrictions” said, Mr Madhavan. ALH has clogged close to 3,00,000 cumulative flight hours and has proven its mettle in versatile operations.
The ALH Mk III is fitted with state-of-the-art Glass cockpit and powerful Shakti engine. The contract involves integration of 19 major systems with the existing ALH MK III that include IFF MKXII & ATC Xpdr with ADS-B Out, V/UHF Communication System, Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance (TCAS-I), SAR Homer system. Automatic Deployable Emergency Locator Transmitter (ADELT), Loud Hailer, Radio altimeter. Rescue Basket, Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), IADS System, AFCS, Digital Video Recording System (SSDVR). Automatic Identification System (AIS), High Intensity Search Light (HISL), Pressure Refueling System, Control grips, EO POD Rev III, Surveillance Radar System and 12.7 mm Gun system.
