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After over eight months of grounding of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv fleet is likely to end soon, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) close to completing its technical investigation, sources told BharatShakti.
HAL has identified the necessary rectification measures and plans to begin repair work within a month, according to officials familiar with the matter. A select batch of helicopters will first undergo modifications and flight testing before the remaining fleet is progressively cleared for operations.
The grounding occurred after the crash of an ALH Dhruv operated by the Coast Guard on 5 January 2025 near Porbandar, resulting in a suspension of ALH operations across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. While the Army and Air Force fleets were cleared on 1 May after HAL’s defect investigation, the Navy and Coast Guard’s helicopters remained grounded due to their unique maritime configuration.
These marine variants are equipped with several specialised features to enhance their performance in maritime environments. These include emergency flotation gear that facilitates controlled sea landings, a reinforced undercarriage designed for robust shipborne operations, and enhanced cockpit visibility to improve safety during deck landings. Additionally, they boast maritime-specific sensors and avionics that provide crucial navigation and situational awareness over the sea, ensuring effective and safe operations in challenging conditions.
Sources confirmed that HAL has conducted a more rigorous investigation into these variants, which has extended their return timeline.
Operational Impact
The grounding forced the Coast Guard to fall back on its ageing Chetak helicopters, supplemented in some cases by Navy and Air Force aircraft. The absence of ALH Dhruvs has been strongly felt, given their enhanced range, endurance, safety features, and multi-mission capability compared to older platforms.
India’s combined ALH inventory across the services stands at about 330 helicopters, with the Navy and Coast Guard operating the marine-configured fleet. Once the first batch is cleared, HAL will progressively carry out inspections and rectifications on the remainder to ensure a safe, phased return to service.
Huma Siddiqui
