840 Squadron: Eastern region of Indian Coast Guard (ICG), inducted the indigenously designed and developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mark III.

Key Points:

• The new air squadron known as 840 Squadron was established in Chennai, with an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mark-III aircraft as its first aircraft.
• It will be the first ALH MK-III to be positioned in the Coast Guard Region East.
• The capabilities of the first ALH MK-III aircraft would boost the operational footprint of Unit.
• Three more ALHs will be added to the “840 Squadron” shortly.
• The Advanced Light Helicopter Mark III was received at the Coast Guard Air Station in Chennai, with ‘water cannon salute’.

About ALH MK- III:

• The ALH MK-III has been indigenously designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as part of the government’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
• It is powered by two Shakti engines.
• Modern radars are used to detect beyond the visual range of the aircraft.
• It is armed with a mounted Heavy Machine Gun for target neutralisation operations.
• It is equipped with surveillance radar, electro optic pod, medical urgent care unit, high-intensity searchlight, infrared suppressor, heavy machine gun, and glass cockpit.

The squadron’s operations area will encompass the entire Eastern Region due to its strategic importance and geographical location.

About HAL: 

• It refers to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. HAL is an Indian state-owned aerospace and defence company.
• It is governed under the management of the Indian Ministry of Defence.
• It is headquartered in Bangaluru, India.
• The founder of HAL is Walchand Hirachand.
• It was founded on 23 December 1940. 

About ICG: 

• It refers to the Indian Coast Guard.
• ICG is an armed force that protects India's maritime interests and enforces maritime law, with jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone. 
• IGC was founded on 18 August 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of Parliament of India an independent Armed force of India.
• It works under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). 
• It is headquartered in New Delhi.
• The motto of IGC is Vayam  “Vayam Rakshamah” meaning “We Protect”.
• The Coast Guard works in close cooperation with the Indian Navy, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Revenue (Customs) and the Central and State police forces. 
• The Director-General of IGC is V.S. Pathania.