SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a move prompted by safety concerns, the entire fleet of around 330 Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) used by the Indian Armed Forces has been temporarily grounded following a tragic crash in Porbandar on Sunday. The incident claimed the lives of two pilots and an aircrew diver, highlighting ongoing issues with the aircraft’s safety record.
The crash has reignited discussions about the reliability and safety of the domestically produced Dhruv helicopters. A senior team from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the ALH, has been dispatched to investigate the recent accident. However, criticisms regarding HAL’s approach to addressing these recurring problems have surfaced.
An experienced helicopter pilot, speaking under anonymity, criticized HAL’s response to previous incidents, stating, “The probe committee should include independent experts. Precious lives are being lost (four Coast Guard pilots and two divers have died in two ALH crashes in the last four months) but HAL is providing sub-optimal or quick-fix solutions to problems.” This sentiment underscores the urgency for a more thorough and transparent investigation into the helicopter’s safety features and operational procedures.
Another military officer emphasized the need for comprehensive scrutiny, saying, “All issues with the ALHs, including design/manufacturing defects, quality control, servicing, maintenance, training of pilots and technicians, should be thoroughly analyzed.” This call for a broad spectrum of checks reflects the complexity of ensuring the Dhruv helicopters’ airworthiness and operational reliability.
Despite these concerns, HAL has not issued any official comments on the recent grounding or the ongoing investigation, as reported by The Times of India. This silence from HAL adds to the growing public and military demand for transparency and accountability in the wake of these accidents.
The Dhruv ALHs have faced scrutiny before; this is not the first instance of grounding. In 2023, the fleet underwent similar systematic technical checks after four significant crashes. At that time, the distribution of the helicopters across the services included approximately 180 with the Army, incorporating 60 ‘Rudras’—the weaponized version, 75 with the Indian Air Force, 24 with the Navy, and 19 with the Coast Guard.
The repeated grounding of these helicopters not only raises questions about their design and manufacturing but also about the training and maintenance protocols in place. The Indian military’s reliance on these choppers for various missions makes their safety paramount, pushing for a swift resolution to the underlying issues to prevent further loss of life and ensure the integrity of India’s defense capabilities.
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