HAL handed over four Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk III Maritime Role (MR) to the Indian Coast Guard on Friday | Photo: HAL
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered four ALH Mk III Maritime Role (MR) helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard at an event held in Bengaluru on April 10, 2026. The delivery is part of a contract for nine helicopters signed in March 2024.
The handover ceremony was attended by Rajesh Makwana, Coast Guard Commander (Western Seaboard), and P B Rangarao, Chief Executive Officer of HAL’s Helicopter Complex. Documentation for the helicopters was transferred by the Office of the Regional Director, Aeronautical Quality Assurance and HAL’s Helicopter Division to Coast Guard units based in Kochi and Porbandar.
HAL had previously delivered 16 ALH Mk III (MR) helicopters to the Indian Coast Guard up to 2022. An additional order for six helicopters was signed in March 2026, adding to the current fleet expansion plan.
The ALH Mk III (MR) is a maritime variant of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter. It is designed as a multi-role, twin-engine platform capable of operating in a range of maritime missions. These include surveillance, search and rescue, casualty evacuation, coastal security, law enforcement, troop transport and logistics support, as well as anti-piracy operations.
The helicopter is equipped with avionics systems, a glass cockpit and night operation capability, allowing operations in varied conditions. The platform is intended to support the Coast Guard’s requirements across different maritime environments, including coastal and offshore areas.
The delivery forms part of ongoing efforts to expand the Coast Guard’s rotary-wing fleet and maintain operational capability. HAL stated that the helicopters were delivered within the scheduled timeline under the contract.
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