Indian-made Advanced Light helicopters deployed in Ramanathapuram

Near the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), between India and Sri Lanka

By Dinasena Ratugamage

India’s Naval Air Station INS Parundu has inducted two Indian-made Advanced Light helicopters of the Mk3 variant to boost surveillance, search and rescue capabilities along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) between India and Sri Lanka.

Situated in the Ramanathapuram District of Tamil Nadu, the base is strategically placed near the Palk Strait, and the two choppers were accorded a water cannon salute, in the presence of civil and naval personnel. Vice Adm Biswajit Dasgupta, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, presided over the event.

The ALH Mk3 being stationed at this base would enable enhanced surveillance of the Gulf of Manner, Palk Bay and Comorin region and provide extended range for Maritime Search and Rescue operations night and day. This variant of the chopper can be used for operations from both naval bases and also from on-board ships. The choppers can be used to undertake armed patrol missions, casualty evacuations among other roles, while providing round-the-clock vigil over the region.

Manufactured by the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), 16 of these choppers have been inducted into the Naval fleet. The Naval Base INS Parundu (which refers to the bird Kite), operates Heron drones and Chetak helicopters.

The base is situated in close proximity to the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), between India and Sri Lanka.