New Delhi: India’s indigenously developed Dhruva Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), operated by all the wings of its military and positioned as a low-cost alternative to Western multi-utility helicopters, fleet has been temporarily grounded. for the second time in two years following a series of crashes.
This decision follows the January 5 incident in which an Indian Coast Guard ALH Dhruv Mk III crashed at Gujarat’s Porbandar Airport, claiming the lives of three crew members.
Developed by the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the ALH Dhruv is a twin-engine, multi-role, multi-mission new-generation helicopter in the 5.5-tonne weight class. By January 2024, 400 ALH helicopters had been produced.
The latest crash is the third incident to occur in over four months, once again raising questions over the safety and efficacy of this indigenously developed chopper.
Earlier in September 2024, an ALH Dhruv belonging to the ICG ditched at sea off the Gujarat coast as it approached an Indian-flagged motor tanker, Hari Leela, about 45 kilometers from Porbandar, killing its two pilots.
Less than a month later, in October 2024, another ALH Dhruv (of the Indian Air Force) had to make an emergency landing while on a flood relief operation due to a technical snag. This particular chopper was deployed for flood relief operations in Bihar.
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(Defence Watch– India’s Defence News centre that places the spotlight on Defence Manufacturing, Defence Technology, Strategy and Military affairs is on Twitter. Follow us here and stay updated.)