SOURCE: AFI
In a significant development for India’s defense aviation sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced that the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, in its Army and Air Force versions, has been cleared for operations. This follows a clarification issued on April 11, 2025, and is based on the recommendations of a Defect Investigation (DI) Committee. HAL has also outlined a time-bound plan for the resumption of operations, worked out in collaboration with the Indian Army and Air Force, signaling a resolution to concerns that had previously grounded the helicopter fleet.
The ALH Dhruv, a multi-role helicopter developed by HAL, has been a cornerstone of India’s indigenous defense manufacturing efforts since its first flight in 1992 and induction into service in 2002. Designed to operate in diverse environments—from high-altitude regions like Siachen to maritime roles—the Dhruv is used by the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard, with over 300 units delivered as of early 2025. The helicopter has also been exported to countries like Ecuador, Mauritius, and Nepal, showcasing India’s growing defense export capabilities.
However, the ALH Dhruv has faced scrutiny in recent years due to a series of accidents and technical issues. Between 2002 and 2023, the helicopter was involved in several crashes, with notable incidents including a 2021 crash in Jammu and Kashmir that killed two Army pilots and a 2023 Navy ALH accident off the Kochi coast. These incidents, attributed to design flaws, maintenance issues, and human error, led to temporary grounding of the fleet multiple times. In March 2023, the Ministry of Defence ordered a comprehensive safety review following a Navy ALH crash, and in May 2023, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighted design and quality control issues in a report, noting 12 accidents involving the Dhruv between 2017 and 2022.
The most recent grounding occurred in early 2025, prompted by a fresh wave of concerns over structural integrity and rotor blade issues in the Army and Air Force variants. This led HAL to convene a Defect Investigation Committee to thoroughly assess the helicopter’s safety and operational readiness.
In its latest statement, HAL confirmed that the DI Committee has completed its investigation, addressing the concerns that led to the grounding. “In furtherance to the clarification dated 11th April 2025, it is now intimated that the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv Army and Air Force versions are cleared for operations based on the Defect Investigation Committee recommendations,” HAL stated. The company added that a time-bound plan for the resumption of operations has been developed in consultation with the Indian Army and Air Force, ensuring a phased and systematic return to service.
While specific details of the committee’s findings were not disclosed, sources indicate that the investigation focused on addressing issues related to the helicopter’s main rotor blades, control systems, and structural components—areas flagged in previous accidents. HAL is believed to have implemented corrective measures, including design modifications, enhanced quality control, and revised maintenance protocols, to mitigate risks.
The clearance is a significant step forward for the ALH program, which has been a point of pride for India’s defense industry but also a source of contention due to its troubled safety record. The Army and Air Force, which rely on the Dhruv for critical roles such as troop transport, reconnaissance, and search-and-rescue missions, can now resume operations with renewed confidence in the platform’s reliability.
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