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The upcoming Republic Day parade may witness a notable absence: the indigenously developed Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH) and its armed variant, the Rudra. This follows the grounding of the entire fleet after a Coast Guard ALH crashed in Porbandar, Gujarat, on January 5, raising concerns about the helicopter's safety record.
The crash, which tragically claimed the lives of two pilots and an aircrew diver during a routine training sortie, has prompted a comprehensive safety inspection of all ALH and Rudra helicopters operated by the Indian armed forces, Coast Guard, and other agencies. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident.
This grounding has already impacted other events. The ALH was notably absent from the flypast at the 77th Army Day parade in Pune on Wednesday. An official confirmed that the helicopters were not included due to ongoing safety concerns. This marks a significant departure from tradition, as these helicopters have been a regular feature in both Army Day and Republic Day parades.
The Indian armed forces and the Coast Guard collectively operate around 330 ALHs, with the Army and Air Force accounting for over 90 Rudra helicopters. Following the January 5 crash, all these helicopters were grounded, along with those operated by the Border Security Force and civilian organizations.
The wreckage of the crashed helicopter is being transported to Bengaluru for detailed analysis by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the ALH. This analysis aims to identify the root cause of the crash and address any potential issues. The inspection is expected to take up to two weeks.
The ALH has been involved in approximately 15 accidents over the past five years, raising concerns about its safety performance. This latest incident is particularly concerning as it follows another crash in September 2024, which also involved a Coast Guard ALH and resulted in fatalities.
HAL had completed a critical safety upgrade on the military's ALH fleet prior to these recent accidents, aiming to enhance the helicopters' airworthiness. However, the recurring incidents have necessitated a broader inspection of the fleet.
The potential absence of the Dhruv and Rudra from the Republic Day parade would be a symbolic loss, highlighting the challenges India faces in ensuring the safety and reliability of its indigenous defence equipment. The ALH has been a source of pride for India's aerospace industry, often showcased during national events. Its absence would underscore the ongoing efforts to address safety concerns and ensure the long-term viability of this important platform.
