The commissioning ceremony of INAS 324 was held at INS Dega in Visakhapatnam, India. Credit: Ministry of Defence/Government of India/Press Information Bureau.

The Indian Navy has commissioned the first naval squadron to operate advanced light helicopter (ALH) MK III (MR) helicopters on the Eastern Seaboard.

The Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 324 was commissioned during a ceremony at INS Dega in Visakhapatnam, India on 4 July.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

It was attended by Indian Navy Eastern Naval Command flag officer commanding-in-chief vice admiral Biswajit Dasgupta.

The Indian Navy has nicknamed INAS 324 after ‘Kestrels’, the birds of prey that have good sensory capabilities.

It signifies the role of the INAS 324 to perform integral maritime reconnaissance (MR) and search and rescue (SAR) operations.

Dasgupta said: “The commissioning of the first ALH MK III Squadron in the Eastern Naval Command will enhance the surveillance capability on the Eastern Seaboard.”

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The newly commissioned squadron is commanded by ALH qualified flying instructor with extensive operational experience, commander SS Dash.

The ALH MK III or Dhruv is designed and built indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), to support the Government of India’s ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

ALH MK III is primarily deployed to perform MR and SAR operations. The helicopter is equipped with modern surveillance radar and electro-optical sensors.

It can also carry out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions as well as special operations with marine commandos.

HAL’s multi-role helicopter Dhruv has four variants including Mk I, Mk II, Mk III and Mk IV.

In March this year, the Indian Navy commissioned its second long-range maritime reconnaissance air squadron INAS 316, to operate four P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.