With a traditional water cannon salute, the Indian Navy inducted the indigenous ALH MK III aircraft IN 746 into Southern Naval Command at Kochi on Monday, March 22. The aircraft and crew were welcomed by Cmde VB Bellary, Commanding Officer, INS Garuda. The ALH MK III Maritime Reconnaissance and Coastal Security (MRCS) is a force multiplier in the SNC, Area of Responsibility, thanks to its radar, EO/IR suite, advanced sensor, and avionics package sensor.
The addition of the ALH MK III would allow for the refinement of guidelines and SOPs in order to achieve maximum training value and optimal aircraft/system utilisation. Since her inception, INAS 322 has played a critical part in life-saving and humanitarian operations, with the most recent examples being cyclones Ockhi and Tauktae.
A capable platform, such as an ALH MK III, would significantly increase the unit’s operational footprint. In addition, the Sqn currently has AU 701, the oldest Mk I, and AU 746, the newest Mk III, in its ranks.
-
-
-
-
