Tri-Service Andaman And Nicobar Command Inducts Advanced Light Helicopter MK III At INS Utkrosh

In a boost to maritime security, the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK III aircraft was formally inducted at INS Utkrosh by Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN) Lieutenant General Ajai Singh at Port Blair on 28 January, an official release said.

The helicopters were ceremonially welcomed into ANC with a traditional water cannon salute.

The induction marks a continuing increase in the capabilities of the A&N Command in the past two decades of its raising as India’s only joint theatre command, the Defence Ministry said in a release.

The ALH MK III aircraft is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and till date, over 300 of these aircraft have been delivered by HAL and are being flown by the Armed Forces, the ministry said.

Among the ALH variants, the MK III variant is a maritime role variant encompassing state-of-the-art sensors and weapons that add punch to India’s prowess at sea, it added.

The ALH MK III aircraft with its glass cockpit, Shakti engines, advanced Maritime Patrol Radar, Electro–optical payload and Night Vision Device will act as a force multiplier in keeping India’s far eastern seaboard and Island territories safe, according to the ministry.

The state-of-the-art aircraft has multirole capabilities including maritime surveillance, support for Special Forces, medical evacuations besides search and rescue roles.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt General Ajai Singh termed the induction as a boost to the security of Andaman and Nicobar. He added that the induction is a symbol of the country’s resolve of being self-reliant in its security and maintaining peace in this region.