SYLLABUS SECTION: GS III (DEFENCE)
WHY IN THE NEWS?
Recently, the Indian Navy commissioned a new INAS Indian Naval Air Squadron 324 at eastern Naval Command.
- It will enhance the surveillance capability on the Eastern Seaboard.
MORE DETAILS:
- INAS 324 has been name “KESTRELS” which are birds of prey and have good sensory capabilities,
- and they are symbolizing the envisage role of the Aircraft and the Air Squadron.
- The Insignia of the Squadron depicts a ‘KESTREL’ searching over vast blue and white sea waves, which signifies the integral Maritime Reconnaissance (MR) and Search and Rescue (SAR) role of the Squadron.
- The unit is the Eastern Seaboard’s first Naval Squadron to use indigenously designs and built Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) MK III (MR) helicopters.
- It’s equipe with ALH MK III helicopters which includes modern surveillance radar and electro-optical sensors.
ADVANCED LIGHT HELICOPTER (ALH)
- It has been develop and manufacture by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- These helicopters are primarily use for Maritime Reconnaissance (MR) and Search and Rescue (SAR ) missions, but they can also be use for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations and Special Operations with Marine Commandos.
- It also has an airborne Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) for use in the Air Ambulance role to facilitate the medical evacuation of critically ill patients.
Read more: UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS
SOURCE: PIB