The 835 Squadron (CG), an indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) MK III, was commissioned by the Indian Coast Guard at its Air Enclave in Porbandar, Gujarat on June 28, 2022. DG, Coast Guard Shri VS Pathania presides over an authorization ceremony attended by various military and civilian dignitaries based in the Porbandar and Gujarat area. The group’s accreditation marks a major shift in confidence in the field of Search and Rescue (SAR) and maritime surveillance, in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s view of ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’.
ALH MK III helicopters are traditionally developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). They include state-of-the-art equipment including advanced RADAR as well as Electro optical sensors, Shakti engines, glass-filled workspace, high-intensity searchlight, advanced communication systems, automatic identification system and SAR homer. Features enable them to conduct marine surveys and perform SAR in extended areas even while operating on ships day and night. The aircraft is capable of shifting roles from an assault rifle to a person in charge of a Medical Intensive Care unit to facilitate the transfer of critically ill patients.
To date, 13 ALH MK-III aircraft have been phased out of the Indian Coast Guard in four stages and four of these aircraft are stationed at Porbandar. Since its inception, the military team has flown 1,200 hours and performed many tasks, including overnight SAR equipment off the coast of Diu.835 Sqn (CG) is controlled by Command Sunil Dutt. This accreditation will provide greater fulfillment of Indian Coast Guard capabilities in the Gujarat region and strengthen national security at sea.
