HAL delivers 4 ALH Mk III helicopters to Coast Guard, boosts sea security

In a significant boost to India’s coastal defence and maritime response capability, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday handed over four ALH Mk III (Advanced Light Helicopter) Maritime Role helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard at a ceremony held in Bengaluru. The delivery strengthens indigenous aviation capability for surveillance, search and rescue, and coastal security operations across India’s vast maritime zone.

The helicopters are part of an ongoing procurement programme aimed at improving rapid response capability at sea , particularly during cyclones, maritime accidents, medical emergencies, and anti piracy operations. HAL confirmed the delivery was completed on schedule, reflecting steady progress in expanding the Coast Guard’s aerial fleet.

The ALH Mk III Maritime Role Helicopter is a navalised version of the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter , designed for complex maritime environments. It features advanced avionics , glass cockpit systems , and night operation capability , enabling long range patrols and all weather missions over sea routes.

Built as a multi-role platform, the helicopter enhances maritime domain awareness by supporting surveillance of shipping lanes, tracking suspicious vessels, and strengthening coastal security. It can perform search and rescue , casualty evacuation , troop transport, logistics support, and anti piracy operations. Its onboard systems allow rescuers to lift stranded personnel from rough seas, making it crucial during disaster response.

According to defence estimates, each ALH Mk III helicopter costs around ₹100-110 crore , making it a cost effective alternative compared to global platforms like the Sikorsky MH-60 Seahawk or Airbus H225M, which are significantly more expensive.

The helicopters will be deployed at Kochi and Porbandar, improving operational reach across sensitive coastal regions. This delivery is part of a contract for nine helicopters signed in March 2024. HAL had earlier supplied 16 such aircraft by 2022, with an additional order for six more placed in March 2026, further strengthening India’s maritime aviation capability.