The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, which was grounded since January 2025, has been cleared for operations for Army and Air Force versions following recommendations by the Defect Investigation (DI) Committee. The decision comes at a crucial time as the Indian military prepares its response to Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack.
Key Highlights
Clearance Details:
- Manufacturer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- Cleared based on DI Committee recommendations.
- Time-bound plan for phased resumption of operations prepared with Army and Air Force.
Current Status:
- Navy and Coast Guard ALHs remain grounded.
- Army ALHs resumed flying in Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir in April 2025
Background
| Date/Event | Details |
| Jan 5, 2025 | Crash of Indian Coast Guard’s ALH Mk-III in Porbandar, Gujarat; 3 fatalities. |
| Post-crash action | Grounding of all 330 ALHs across armed forces. |
| Investigations | IISc Bengaluru performed fatigue testing of critical transmission component. |
| Past incidents | 15 accidents in last 5 years; Navy suspended ALH ops after 2024 crash in Arabian Sea. |
| Impact | Grounding affected military operations; shortage of helicopters. |
| Aero India 2025 | ALH Dhruv absent; Sarang Helicopter Display Team did not participate. |
The prolonged grounding was a major operational setback for Army, Air Force, Navy & Coast Guard.
About Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv
- ALH Dhruv is “Type-Certified” for military and civil operations.
- Used for: utility, reconnaissance, search & rescue, transport, disaster relief, and aerobatic displays (Sarang team).
| Feature | Description |
| Developer | Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
| Type | Twin-engine, multi-role, multi-mission helicopter |
| Weight Class | 5.5-ton |
| Variants | Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III, Mk-IV |
| Certification | Military: 2002 (CEMILAC); Civil: 2004 (DGCA) |
| Deliveries | Production started 2001-02; 345 helicopters produced by June 2024 (313 for armed forces). |
| Versions | Skid version & wheeled version |
Significance
- Represents India’s push for indigenization of military platforms.
- Critical for helicopter-borne military operations in high-altitude and border areas.
- Essential for logistics, casualty evacuation, troop transport, and surveillance.