The Indian Navy on Monday, 28 Mar 22, inducted the indigenous ALH MK III aircraft IN 746 into Southern Naval Command at Kochi, with a traditional water cannon salute. Cmde VB Bellary, Commanding Officer, INS Garuda, welcomed the aircraft and crew. The ALH MK III Maritime Reconnaissance and Coastal Security (MRCS) with its Radar, EO/IR suite along with advanced sensor and avionics package sensor is a force multiplier in SNC, Area of Responsibility.
The addition of ALH MK III would enable refining of guidelines and SOPs towards deriving maximum training value as well as optimal aircraft/ system exploitation. INAS 322 with its integral ALH helicopters has played a central role in life-saving and humanitarian missions since her inception, the most recent examples being cyclones Ockhi and Tauktae.
The addition of a capable platform such as an ALH MK III would definitely enhance the unit's operational footprint. Incidentally the Sqn is presently both holding AU 701, (the oldest MkI) and AU 746 ( the newest Mk III) in its ranks.