Indian Navy’s surveillance capabilities get a big boost with commissioning of Advance Light Helicopter squadron at Vishakhapatnam

Indian Navy’s surveillance capabilities get a big boost with commissioning of Advance Light Helicopter squadron at Vishakhapatnam

The Indian Navy has commissioned an Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) squadron at Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

“Indian Naval Air Squadron 324 was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta” the Indian Navy said in a statement.

The ALH squadron was commissioned during a ceremony held at INS Dega, Vishakhapatnam on 4 July 2022.

“The unit is the first Naval Squadron on the Eastern Seaboard operating the indigenously designed and built Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK III (MR) helicopters,” the Navy said.

“INAS 324 has been named “KESTRELS” which are birds of prey and have good sensory capabilities symbolising the envisaged role of the Aircraft and the Air Squadron,” it added.

The Insignia of the Squadron depicts a ‘KESTREL’ searching over vast blue and white sea waves, which signifies the integral Maritime Reconnaissance (MR) and Search and Rescue (SAR) role of the Squadron.

“ALH MK III helicopters are fitted with state-of-the-art equipment which includes modern surveillance radar and electro-optical sensors,” the Navy said, adding that the induction of these flying machines is, in pursuance of the initiative of Atma Nirbhar Bharat, as they have been developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

“In addition to their primarily roles of MR and SAR, these helicopters can also be deployed for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief(HADR) Operations as well as Special Operations with Marine Commandos. The helicopter also has an airborne Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) for use in the Air Ambulance role to facilitate the medical evacuation of critically ill patients,” it said.

Addressing the gathering, Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta said hat the commissioning of the first ALH MK III Squadron in the Eastern Naval Command will enhance the surveillance capability on the Eastern Seaboard.

“INAS 324 is commanded by Cdr SS Dash, an accomplished and highly experienced ALH Qualified Flying Instructor with extensive operational experience,” the Navy said.

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