Jakhau, December 1: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is likely to induct 10 new advanced light helicopters procured from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited by May 2022, its spokesperson said here on Wednesday. Moreover, the ICG is planning to induct one offshore patrol vessel (OPV) in 2021 and two pollution control vessels (PCVs) by 2025, the spokesperson said here.

“The ICG has concluded a contract for procurement of 16 advanced light helicopters (ALH) Mk-III from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru, which in consonance with Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan,” the spokesperson said. Out of the 16 ALH ordered, six have already been inducted into the ICG, the spokesperson noted. Indian Army Receives New Israeli Heron Drones for Deployment in Eastern Ladakh Sector.

“The remaining 10 aircraft are likely to be inducted by May 2022,” the spokesperson added. The ICG has a total of 68 aircraft such as Dornier and ALH in its fleet currently. It has a total of 158 ships — including OPVs, FPVs, ACVs and PCVs — in it fleet right now. In addition, eight fast patrol vessels (FPVs) and 12 air cushion vehicles (ACVs) are at various stages of induction, the spokesperson noted.