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4d ago

Army and Air Force ALH Dhruv Helicopters Cleared for Phased Return to Service

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited announces operational clearance following defect investigation, while civilian operators remain grounded.

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The development comes at a critical moment as the Indian military readies plans to respond to Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. (HT PHOTO)
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Overview

  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has approved the phased resumption of Army and Air Force ALH Dhruv helicopters based on Defect Investigation Committee recommendations.
  • The fleet of 330 ALH Dhruvs was grounded after a fatal Coast Guard crash in Porbandar on January 5, 2025, which resulted in three deaths.
  • Civilian operators of the ALH Dhruv remain grounded as investigations into safety concerns continue.
  • The grounding disrupted military operations, though limited Army flights resumed in Jammu and Kashmir following the Pahalgam terror attack.
  • HAL has criticized media reports on the crash as biased and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing safety and design issues in collaboration with its users.