Threeindigenously built advanced light helicopters (ALH) MK III were inducted into the Navy on Monday. The induction ceremony of 322 Dega Flight was held in the presence of Vice-Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC), with the three ALHs flying into Naval Air Station, INS Dega, a defence press release said here. With the induction of these maritime reconnaissance and coastal security (MRCS) helicopters, the ENC got a boost towards enhancing the capabilities of the force in pursuit of maritime interests of the nation.

The helicopters, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, are state-of-the-art flying machines and constitute a major step in thequest for Atma Nirbhar Bharat, the release said. The ALHs feature systems previously seen only on heavier, multi-role helicopters of the navy.