The operational status of India's fleet of Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) remains uncertain, as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has not yet released a highly anticipated investigative report.
The report, originally due on March 3, 2025, was meant to shed light on the cause of a fatal crash in January and determine the future of the approximately 300 grounded helicopters.
The Dhruv fleet, a critical component of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard, has been out of service since January 5th.
The grounding followed a tragic incident in which an Indian Coast Guard ALH Dhruv Mk III helicopter crashed near Porbandar Airport in Gujarat. The accident resulted in the loss of three crew members' lives.
This event led HAL to suspend the operation of all Dhruv helicopters across the armed forces and Coast Guard, pending a comprehensive investigation.
This is the second time in the past two years that the entire fleet has been grounded, fueling concerns about the reliability of the domestically produced helicopter, which first entered service in 2002.
Last month, at the Aero India show in Bengaluru, HAL Managing Director DK Sunil stated that a clear understanding of the situation would be available within three weeks.
He indicated that by March 3rd, it would be known whether the entire fleet required a thorough examination or if the crash was due to an isolated technical issue. However, the deadline has passed without the release of the final report, leaving military officials and defence experts in a state of anticipation.
Preliminary investigations into the Porbandar crash suggested a crack in the helicopter's swashplate as a potential cause. The swashplate is a vital component that controls the pitch of the rotor blades, directly affecting the aircraft's movement.
The investigative team, consisting of experts from HAL and other technical organizations, has been working to identify the root cause of this failure. Determining whether the issue stems from a manufacturing defect, a maintenance oversight, or operational stress exceeding design limits is essential to deciding the fleet's future.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Mr. Sunil has consistently defended the Dhruv's design. He stated at Aero India that there is "no inherent flaw" in the helicopter, highlighting that it has accumulated over 400,000 flight hours.
He suggested that training or maintenance procedures might be contributing factors, placing some responsibility on the operational practices of the armed forces and Coast Guard.
However, the ALH Dhruv has experienced a number of incidents that complicate this perspective. According to data available from various open sources, including news reports and parliamentary proceedings, there have been multiple accidents involving Dhruv helicopters over the past two and a half decades.
While precise numbers may vary depending on the source, it is generally acknowledged that a significant number of these incidents have been attributed to technical malfunctions, while others have been linked to human error or remain undetermined.
The January crash follows several other high-profile incidents, including a 2023 grounding after crashes involving both a naval Dhruv and a Rudra (a weaponized variant). An Indian Air Force Dhruv also made an emergency landing in October 2024 due to engine trouble during flood relief efforts.
These recurring issues have led to increased scrutiny of the Dhruv's overall dependability, even as it represents a significant achievement for India's indigenous defence capabilities.
The twin-engine, 5.5-tonne helicopter, designed and developed by HAL, is utilized for a variety of roles, including transport, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and combat operations.
Its versatility has made it a crucial asset, but the repeated problems have spurred calls for a comprehensive review of its design, manufacturing, and maintenance processes.
The continued grounding, now exceeding eight weeks, has serious consequences for operational readiness. The Dhruv forms the core of India's helicopter fleet, supporting operations ranging from high-altitude deployments in the Himalayas to coastal patrols.
Its unavailability has forced the military to utilize older helicopters, like the Chetak and Cheetah, or other assets, leading to logistical challenges and delays in essential operations.
The absence of the Sarang aerobatics team, which flies the Dhruv, at Aero India 2025 served as a visible reminder of the fleet's current situation.
The situation also carries significant weight for HAL. The Dhruv program is a key element of India's "Make in India" initiative, aimed at promoting self-reliance in defence production. Any indication of widespread flaws could negatively impact HAL's reputation and its prospects for international sales.
Several countries, including the Philippines and Argentina, have expressed interest in purchasing the Mk III variant. A positive outcome from the investigation, on the other hand, could restore confidence in the helicopter and allow it to return to full operational capacity.
