Defence Secretary inducts HAL manufactured ALH Mk-III helicopters into Indian Coast Guard

New Delhi: In a major boost to the ALH Mk-III indigenous Coast Guard programme, three Advanced Light Helicopter (ALHs) manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have been inducted into the stables of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) by Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar on Saturday. These helicopters, which are part of ALH Mk-III programme, will be positioned in Bhubaneswar, Porbandar, Chennai and Kochi and will be part of different Coast Guard Aviation Squadrons.

A virtual programme was held simultaneously at the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Headquarters in Delhi and at the Helicopter MRO Division of HAL in Bengaluru, and it was attended by Director General, Indian Coast Guard, K Natarajan (PTM, TM), and HAL's CMD R Madhavan.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kumar said, "The state-of-the-art helicopters with advanced sensors will enable ICG to take up challenging tasks. This is for the first time performance-based logistics is being introduced in the Indian aviation sector which is a modern management practice and will increase operational and maintenance efficiency. The sophisticated helicopters being handed over will be a game-changer for the operational capability of ICG in the times to come."

Natarajan said ICG has been a torchbearer in promoting and inducting indigenous products since the formative years of the service. The induction of ALH Mk-III is a testimony to the ICG's commitment towards "Atmanirbhar Bharat." HAL has been the most trusted partner in the growth of the ICG aviation fleet delivering multi-role and highly capable platforms. The induction of ALH MK-III in challenging times bears a testament to the resilience of HAL and ICG. These helicopters will usher a paradigm shift in the capability in ship-borne operations and enhance coastal surveillance. The Indian Coast Guard is also the first service to have a performance-based logistics management system introduced in aviation to ensure Helicopter availability at four bases, he added.

Madhavan said with this contract, HAL is embarking on a new journey of performance-based logistics (PBL). The PBL will assure desired levels of availability of ALH MK-III fleet of ICG for six and half years, a unique feature of this contract and a first of its kind in HAL.

These helicopters are equipped with state of the art equipment like, Surveillance Radar, Electro-Optic Pod, Medical Intensive Care Unit, High-Intensity Search Light, SAR Homer, Loud Hailer, Machine Gun and can perform other key roles. Helicopter MRO Division is the nodal agency for execution of PBL contract along with Engine Division and other sister divisions of HAL.

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What is performance-based logistics (PBL)?

The PBL will provide a one-stop solution for maintenance of complete helicopter, engine and components which encompasses helicopter/engine servicing task, Rotable Repair Task (RRT), Repair & Maintenance Spares Order (RMSO) etc. As part of PBL, the Helicopter MRO Division of HAL will be extending the support from four bases viz. Bhubaneswar, Porbandar, Chennai and Kochi. All necessary infrastructure, repair facility etc are set up at Bhubaneswar and Porbandar, dedicated LRU/ Rotatable floats are stocked and an on-site support team is identified towards ensuring the availability of helicopters. Chennai & Kochi are in the final stages.

In addition, HAL Aviation Maintenance Software (HAMS), a web-based online platform is developed and deployed by Helicopter MRO Division for real-time monitoring and operational visibility of the fleet through a dedicated leased line network.

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