Advanced Light Helicopters Inducted In INS Parundu

On Wednesday, two indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopters were formally integrated into Indian Naval Air Station Parundu near Uchipuli in Ramanathapuram district.

Vice-Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, inducted the helicopters. The ALH MK III’s stationing would improve maritime surveillance over the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and the Comorin region, as well as give increased ranges for round-the-clock marine search and rescue missions, he said. Armed patrol missions, casualty evacuations, and SAR flights are all possible with the helicopter. The helicopter’s surveillance capability is enhanced by a state-of-the-art Maritime Patrol Radar and Electro-optical payload.

At the dispersal, the helicopters were typically greeted by a water cannon salute in the presence of Parundu’s public authorities and navy forces.

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) ALH MK III helicopter is a marine mission variant that can operate from Naval Ships and Air Stations. The Indian Navy has recently received 16 of these helicopters.

The Heron RPA and Chetak helicopters are currently operated by INS Parundu.