In a major boost to further strengthen the Coast Guard Region East, 840 Sqn (CG), an Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III squadron was commissioned by Director General VS Pathania, PTM, TM, Director General Indian Coast Guard at ICG Air Station, Chennai on 30 Nov 22. The occasion was graced by various military and civil dignitaries based at Chennai and Tamil Nadu area.

The commissioning of 840 Sqn (CG) earmarks a tremendous leap towards self-reliance in the field of helicopter manufacturing, in line with the government's vision of “Atma nirbhar Bharat”. ALH Mk-III helicopters have been indigenously manufactured by HAL, features state of art equipment including advanced RADAR as well as Electro optical sensors, Shakti engines, full glass cockpit, high-intensity searchlight, advanced communication systems, automatic identification system as well as search-and-rescue homer. This feature enables the helicopter to undertake maritime reconnaissance as well as carry out search and rescue at extended ranges whilst operating from ships, both by day and night. The aircraft has the ability to switch roles from an offensive platform with heavy machine gun to that of a benign one carrying a Medical Intensive Care Unit to facilitate transfer of critically ill patients. A total of 16 ALH Mk-III aircraft have been inducted in the Indian Coast Guard in a phased manner and 04 of these aircraft are positioned at Chennai. Since induction, the squadron has flown over 430 hours and conducted numerous operational missions.

840 Sqn (CG) is commanded by Commandant Atul Agarwal, and manned by 10 Officers and 52 men.S

The commissioning of 840 Sqn (CG) will give a major fillip to the abilities of the Indian Coast Guard in the security sensitive waters off Tamil Nadu and Andhra Region.

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