India grapples with prolonged grounding of Advanced Light Helicopters

HAL has expressed optimism that India's fleet of Dhruv ALHs, which were grounded in January, will return to flying operations in mid-2025. The image shows ICG ALH Mk III helicopters flying in 2023. (Abhishek Chinnappa/Getty Images)

A fatal crash in January, which grounded the Indian military's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), has resulted in a prolonged investigation that may see the fleet remain inoperative for another two months, according to an HAL source.

The fleet has been grounded since 5 January, when an ALH Mk III of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) crashed while on a routine training sortie at Porbandar Airport in Gujarat.

According to India's Press Information Bureau (PIB), the crash killed all three personnel (two pilots and an aircrew diver) onboard.

In the aftermath of the crash, HAL advised all military, paramilitary, and civilian operators to ground the ALH fleet until the cause of the crash was identified. However, in contrast to previous crashes when the fleet was briefly excluded from operational flying, the fleet has remained grounded.

India's triservices (the army, navy, and air force) operate a total of 238 ALHs, according to Janes inventory data. The twin-engine ALH is used for various roles, including utility, light and maritime attack, and patrol and communications roles. The ICG procured another 16 helicopters from 2021. The ALH is also in limited service with civilian operators and entities in the country.

Officially, HAL said the ALH fleet (of all marks) is being subject to a comprehensive investigation. “The military and multiple technical teams are reviewing the aircraft, which is prolonging the investigation,” an HAL source told Janes on 22 April.

“The technical investigation team within HAL is working to conclude the investigation,” the HAL source added.