Indigenous Dhruv Helicopter Cleared for Military Use After Crash Probe

The Army and Air Force variants of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), have been officially cleared for operations. This decision comes after a three-month grounding prompted by a fatal crash of an Indian Coast Guard Dhruv in January 2025. Based on the Defect Investigation Committee’s recommendations, HAL and defence users have now prepared a time-bound plan to safely resume operations.

Why in News?

The HAL Dhruv helicopters, temporarily grounded since January 5, 2025, due to a crash in Porbandar, Gujarat, have been cleared for flying. The clearance follows the Defect Investigation (DI) Committee’s analysis and coincides with operational requirements following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Background & Timeline

• On January 5, 2025, an ALH Mark-III of the Indian Coast Guard crashed during a training sortie in Porbandar, killing all three onboard.
• As a precaution, all 330 ALH Dhruvs in the armed forces were grounded.
• HAL also advised civilian operators to suspend operations.

Clearance Details

• HAL announced on May 2, 2025, that the Army and Air Force versions of ALH Dhruv have been cleared.
• Clearance based on recommendations of a Defect Investigation Committee.
• A time-bound resumption plan was discussed and implemented with stakeholders.

Impact on Operations

• The grounding affected various military operations and training schedules.
• Sarang Helicopter Display Team of the IAF did not perform at Aero India 2025 due to grounding.

Operational Resumption

• After the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, Dhruv helicopters were pressed into service in Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir.