Mangaluru: To boost the Coast Guard’s (CG) surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities on the country’s west coast in Karnataka State, CG Dornier 761 was made to undertake operational sorties for surveillance at New Mangalore from 21-24 Feb 2020.
The Air Enclave at New Mangalore would improve the CG’s performance in its surveillance and reconnaissance roles off the coastal areas of Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep Islands including uninhabited islands.
Presently, CG Air Enclave New Mangalore which was activated on 10 Sep 2016 is sans Hangar critically required towards parking and technical maintenance activities for CG Aircraft. In absence of the hangarage facility, aerial surveillance is being undertaken on a regular basis on detachment by CG Dornier ex Kochi and Daman. The case for the provision of state of art hangar is at the final stage of approval by MoD.
The CG Dornier Squadron 749 with a Unit Establishment (UE) of 04 Dornier Aircraft will be positioned permanently at New Mangalore on completion of the Aviation Infrastructure. Also, the land acquisition cases are being closely pursued with the District Administration by the Coast Guard District Headquarters (Karnataka).
The dedicated aerial surveillance from CG Air Enclave New Mangalore would enhance and meet the long-felt need for air surveillance of the EEZ, as well as SAR and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) humanitarian missions in the State and waters adjoining the coast of Karnataka. It will also ensure prompt air-sea coordinated patrol.
