The three-week deadline set by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to determine the operational fate of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) fleet has reached its conclusion, yet the uncertainty surrounding the future of these crucial helicopters remains unresolved. The fleet, comprising around 300 helicopters, has been grounded since January 5 following a tragic crash in Gujarat that raised serious concerns about its airworthiness. Despite assurances from HAL that the investigation would provide clarity on whether the issue was an isolated technical anomaly or indicative of a broader problem, the final report has yet to be released.
During the Aero India show in Bengaluru, HAL Managing Director DK Sunil had assured that the company would complete its review within three weeks, allowing authorities to determine whether the entire fleet needed a comprehensive inspection or if only specific helicopters required scrutiny. The initial probe into the Porbandar crash revealed a crack in the helicopter’s swashplate, a crucial component responsible for controlling rotor blade movement. Investigators are still working to determine the exact cause of this crack and whether it poses a systemic risk to the fleet.
The Dhruv ALH fleet has played a critical role in India’s defense and disaster relief operations, but repeated accidents over the years have sparked debates over its reliability. HAL has maintained that the helicopter does not suffer from any inherent design flaws, attributing past crashes to a combination of technical failures, maintenance lapses, and human errors. Over the past 25 years, 28 ALH helicopters have crashed, with investigations attributing 13 accidents to technical issues, 13 to pilot errors, and two remaining inconclusive due to lack of sufficient evidence.
The prolonged grounding of the Dhruv fleet has significantly impacted operations across the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, as well as paramilitary forces. This was particularly evident during the recent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operation in Uttarakhand, where the military had to rely on older Cheetah helicopters and privately operated aircraft for critical rescue and supply missions. Given the rough terrains and challenging conditions in which these helicopters are often deployed, their absence has left a significant gap in operational capability.
The Dhruv ALH has been involved in multiple accidents in recent years, raising concerns about its safety. In October 2024, an Indian Air Force ALH helicopter engaged in flood relief operations in Bihar crashed into water due to an engine failure. Just a month earlier, in September 2024, a Coast Guard ALH crashed into the Arabian Sea. In 2023, technical issues led to accidents in Jammu, Mumbai, and Kochi, further adding to the fleet’s troubled history. One of the most devastating incidents occurred in October 2022 when a weaponized variant of the helicopter, the Rudra, crashed in Arunachal Pradesh, killing five personnel, including two officers. Earlier incidents include a fatal crash near Pathankot in August 2021 and a 2019 accident involving the Northern Army Commander’s helicopter, which, fortunately, did not result in casualties.
The investigation’s findings will be crucial in determining the next course of action. If the report concludes that the Porbandar incident was an isolated case, authorities may opt for targeted inspections rather than grounding the entire fleet indefinitely. However, if the probe identifies systemic issues or recurring defects in critical components like the swashplate, a full-scale review of all Dhruv helicopters could be required, leading to prolonged delays in their return to service.
The uncertainty surrounding the fleet’s future has also raised concerns within the defense establishment, given the helicopter’s importance in reconnaissance, transport, search and rescue, and combat operations. With India’s growing emphasis on self-reliance in defense manufacturing, ensuring the reliability of indigenous platforms like the Dhruv ALH is paramount. The coming days will be critical as authorities await the final report and decide on the best course of action to restore confidence in one of India’s most widely used helicopters.
