First three ICG Dhruv Mk.III helicopters delivered

On 12 June 2021, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) inducted their first three Dhruv Mk.III Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). In comparison with the already operated Dhruv Mk.I, this version features a full glass cockpit with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Integrated Architecture Display System (IADS), more powerful Shakti (Safran Ardiden 1H1) engines (1,400–2,000 hp each) and a hoist.

In March 2017, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the purchase of 32 Dhruv Mk.III Advanced Light Helicopters to boost the maritime capabilities of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Both armed forces will receive sixteen helicopters each.

The sixteen new helicopters will be operated by yet unknown Coast Guard Squadrons at the Coast Guard Air Stations Bhubaneshwar and Chennai on the east coast and Porbandar and Kochi on the west coast. Known serials of the first three are CG856 and CG858. It is not known to which air station or squadron they were delivered.

Visit our website to have a look at the Indian Coast Guard Air Order of Battle. If you have more information on the new units and the air station were the first three were delivered to, please let us know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Photo by ICG