Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 323, the first unit of the indigenously-built ALH Mk III aircraft, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik and Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar, the flag officer commanding-in-chief of Western Naval Command, in Goa.
INAS 323 set yet another milestone in the efforts towards enhancing maritime security and safeguarding maritime interests of the nation, as also embodying the spirit of Atma Nirbhar Bharat. The squadron will operate three state-of-the-art ALH Mk III, a multirole helicopter with Shakti engine manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This will pave the way for Indian navy’s naval utility helicopters under the indigenous effort. The indigenously designed and developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-DHRUV) is a twin engine, multi-role, multi-mission new generation helicopter in the 5.5 ton weight class. Commander Samik Nundy is the commissioning Commanding Officer of INAS 323. The squadron will operate three state-of-the-art ALH Mk III.
In all, 16 aircraft are under procurement and the aircraft are being delivered in a phased manner to the Indian Navy. It is a multirole helicopter with a Shakti engine manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The Mk III version of the ALH has an all-glass cockpit and will be used for Search and Rescue, Special Operations and Coastal Surveillance.
