Hindustan Aeronautics Limited handed over four ALH Mk III (MR) helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard in Bengaluru, meeting delivery timelines under a 2024 contract. The advanced Dhruv helicopters will enhance maritime security with capabilities like surveillance, search and rescue, and coastal operations.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday handed over four ALH Mk III Maritime Role (MR) helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at an event held in Bengaluru, meeting the delivery timeline and further strengthening the force’s maritime capability.
DIG Rajesh Makwana, TM and Bar, CSO (Aviation) and Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard), attended the event along with Shri PB Rangarao, Chief Executive Officer of HAL’s Helicopter Complex. Helicopter documents were formally handed over by the Office of the Regional Director, Aeronautical Quality Assurance (ORDAQA), and the Helicopter Division to Coast Guard squadrons based in Kochi and Porbandar.
The delivery is part of a contract for nine ALH Mk III (MR) helicopters signed in March 2024. HAL had earlier delivered 16 ALH Mk III (MR) helicopters to the Coast Guard till 2022. An additional order for six more helicopters was signed in March 2026.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest appreciated HAL’s efforts in ensuring timely delivery of the helicopters, noting that it would enhance the ICG’s rotary-wing fleet.
