Indian Navy gets 3 advanced light helicopters from HAL customised for coastal security

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.