Bhubaneswar: Advanced tactical choppers will shortly be deployed to strengthen coastal security in Odisha. As per proposals, the Indian Coast Guard will add Dhruv MK- III and Air Bus twin engine tactical choppers in its fleet to beef up coastal security.
The announcement was made by Indian Coast Guard DG Rajendra Singh after inauguration of a Multi Mission Maritime Aircraft Hanger (MMMA) at Biju Patnaik International Airport on Friday.
Sources said, apart from strengthening security measures, the deployment of advanced choppers would play a crucial role in carrying out relief and rescue operations.
At present, the Coast Guard operates couple of Dornier aircrafts from Bhubaneswar. These aircrafts are regularly deployed extensively for Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrolling, maritime surveillance, search, rescue and disaster management.
These aircrafts were recently deployed for dropping food packets during the flash floods in Rayagada district of Odisha.