VELLORE: The Ministry of Defence is augmenting the role and reach of the Indian Navy by acquiring 100 multi role helicopters and 100 naval utility helicopters. An unspecified number of Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) have also been ordered from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru, according to the Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral R K Pattanaik, AVSM, YSM.
Pattanaik was presiding over a ceremony held for graduating pilots at the 83rd Helicopter Conversion Course at Naval Air Station, INS Rajali, in Arakkonam on Saturday. Addressing the media, Pattanaik said, “If the ship has a helicopter, it can ship out with radar, electronic equipments, and weapons. Helicopter enhances the utility of ships,”
On the matter of security, Pattanaik said, “In terms of piracy, the Indian Coast lines are considered as high risk areas, which is how the Italian ship guards fired at two Indian fishermen.” When Express asked about the precautions to control the infiltrators, he said, “All efforts have been executed and we are absolutely sure that we are capable of controlling infiltrators and terrorist activities through sea.”