Induction of Indigenous ALH MK III Aircraft IN Southern Naval Command at Kochi

The Indian Navy inducted an indigenous ALH MK III aircraft IN 746 into SNC at Kochi on 28 March 2022 with a traditional water cannon salute. Commodore VB Bellary, Commanding Officer, INS Garuda, welcomed the aircraft and the crew. He added that ALH MK III Maritime Reconnaissance and Coastal Security (MRCS) with its Radar, EO/ IR suite along with advanced sensor and avionics package sensor would definitely be a force multiplier in SNC AOR. Captain Ajay Yadav, Commanding Officer of INAS 322, said that the addition of ALH MK III would enable refining of guidelines and SOPs towards deriving maximum training value as well as optimal aircraft/ system exploitation. INAS 322 with its integral ALH helicopters has played a central role in life-saving and humanitarian missions since her inception, the most recent examples being cyclones Ockhi and Tauktae. The addition of a capable platform such as an ALH MK III would definitely enhance the unit's operational footprint.