Indian Coast Guard Inducts Indigenous ALH MK-III Helicopter at Ratnagiri

13 October 2026National

The Indian Coast Guard inducted an indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK-III, tail number CG 875, at Coast Guard Air Station Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, giving 831 Squadron its first ALH MK-III and thickening ICG air cover along the western seaboard. Built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and also designated the HAL Dhruv MK-III, the aircraft carries advanced surveillance radar, an Electro Optical Pod for long-range imaging and identification, and an Automatic Identification System. It is a multi-role platform configured for search and rescue, maritime reconnaissance and surveillance, medical evacuation, transport and coastal security duties.

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The Indian Coast Guard was formally established on 18 August 1978 under the Coast Guard Act, 1978 and functions under the Ministry of Defence | Its motto is 'Vayam Rakshamah', meaning 'We Protect' | HAL began as Hindustan Aircraft in 1940 at Bangalore and is headquartered in Bengaluru

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