Port Blair, Jan 28: In a boost to India’s maritime security, the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK III aircraft was formally inducted at INS Utkrosh by Lieutenant General Ajai Singh, AVSM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN). As the rotor blades of the versatile helicopter cut through air, the aircrafts were ceremonially welcomed into ANC with a traditional water cannon salute, in a sight worth seeing and admiring. The induction of the aircraft 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 ALH MK III aircraft is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and represents a tremendous leap towards self- reliance in the field of military aircraft, in line with the governments push towards “Atma Nirbhar Bharat”. Till date over 300 of these aircraft have been delivered by HAL and are being flown by the Armed Forces. Amongst its 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.

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. 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 this occasion, Lieutenant General Ajai Singh, AVSM, CINCAN congratulated the crew and called upon them to leave no stone unturned in service of the Nation. He added that the induction of the helicopter was not  just a boost to the security of Andaman & Nicobar, but was also symbolic of our country’s resolve in not only being self-reliant in its security, but also in its unwavering commitment to maintain peace in this region.