By THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM| Bengaluru, April 10, 2026: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over four ALH Mk III Maritime Role (MR) helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard at an event held in Bengaluru today, meeting delivery timeline and further strengthening ICG’s maritime capability. DIG Rajesh Makwana, TM & Bar CSO (Aviation), Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard) graced the occasion along with Shri P B Rangarao, Chief Executive Officer, Helicopter Complex. Helicopter documents were handed over by the Office of the Regional Director, Aeronautical Quality Assurance (ORDAQA), and the Helicopter Division, to the Coast Guard Squadrons of Kochi and Porbandar. These deliveries are part of the nine ALH MKIII (MR) contract signed in March 2024.

HAL has delivered 16 ALH MKIII (MR) to the Indian Coast Guard till 2022 and an additional order for six more helicopters was signed in March 2026. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest appreciated HAL’s efforts to ensure the on-time delivery of helicopters to enhance the ICG’s rotary-wing fleet.

The ALH MK-III MR is the maritime variant of the indigenous Dhruv Advanced Helicopter. It is a multi-role twin-engine helicopter equipped for demanding maritime operations, including maritime surveillance, Search and Rescue, Casualty Evacuation, Coastal Security, Law Enforcement, VIP travel, Troop Transport, Logistics, and Anti-piracy.

Equipped with advanced avionics, a modern glass cockpit, and night operation capability, the ALH Mk III (MR) significantly strengthens the Indian Coast Guard’s operational readiness across diverse maritime scenarios