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Key Points

The Army and Air Force variants of the ALH Dhruv helicopters have been cleared for operations after a three-month grounding. The decision follows recommendations from the Defect Investigation Committee, though Navy and Coast Guard versions remain under review. The grounding was prompted by a fatal crash in Porbandar earlier this year involving an ICG chopper. HAL has outlined a structured plan to resume full operations with the armed forces.

Key Points: Army and Air Force ALH Dhruv Choppers Cleared for Operations

  • Army and Air Force ALH Dhruv choppers cleared post-Defect Investigation Committee review
  • Navy and Coast Guard versions still grounded pending probe
  • Grounding followed fatal Porbandar crash involving ICG chopper
  • Limited flights allowed post-Pahalgam attack for troop movement
2 min read

Army, Air Force versions of ALH Dhruv choppers cleared for operations

HAL confirms Army and Air Force ALH Dhruv helicopters are back in service after grounding, while Navy and Coast Guard versions remain under investigation.

"A time-bound plan for the resumption of operations has been worked out with the users. – HAL"

New Delhi, May 1

After being grounded for over three months, the Army and Air Force versions of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv have been cleared for operations based on the recommendations of Defect Investigation (DI) Committee, defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited said on Thursday.

"In furtherance of 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 (DI) Committee recommendations. A time-bound plan for the resumption of operations has been worked out with the users," HAL said.

The Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard versions of the choppers will continue to be on the ground as the investigations are still continuing.

The choppers were grounded after a crash involving an Indian Coast Guard chopper took place in Porbandar earlier this year. A Board of Inquiry was launched after the chopper crashed, resulting in the deaths of three crew members, including two pilots and one aircrew member.

According to officials, the incident occurred when the ICG ALH MK-III helicopter, on a routine training sortie, crashed while landing at Porbandar airport.

Since then, the choppers had been grounded and were given limited permission to fly after the Pahalgam attack room place on April 22 to operate on Srinagar and adjoining area for troop induction.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good to see our indigenous choppers back in action! 🇮🇳 But HAL must ensure complete safety - we can't afford any more accidents with our brave soldiers' lives at stake. Hope the Navy and Coast Guard versions get clearance soon too.
P
Priya M.
The grounding was necessary after the Porbandar tragedy. Safety first always! But I'm proud that our forces are using Made-in-India equipment. Hope HAL has fixed all issues properly this time. Jai Hind!
A
Amit S.
Why such long delay in Navy/Coast Guard clearance? Different versions should have same safety standards. Our maritime forces need these choppers too, especially with increased Chinese naval presence in Indian Ocean.
S
Sunita R.
My cousin is an Air Force pilot who flies Dhruvs. The families of our armed forces need assurance that every possible safety measure has been taken. Three lives lost is three too many. 🙏
V
Vikram J.
Atmanirbhar Bharat in action! Despite this setback, we must continue supporting indigenous defense manufacturing. Every country faces technical issues - what matters is how we fix them. Dhruv has served us well for years.
N
Neha P.
The limited permission during Pahalgam attack shows how crucial these helicopters are for national security. Hope HAL conducts more rigorous testing - maybe involve IITs for technical audits? We need best minds working on this.

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