IA and IAF's ALH Dhruv Helicopters Resume Operations Following Comprehensive Safety Review.
Defence
On 1st May 2025, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, announced that the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv variants operated by the Indian Army (IA) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) have been cleared for operations.
- The clearance follows a detailed assessment and recommendations by a Defect Investigation (DI) Committee, with a time-bound phased resumption plan already being implemented in coordination with the armed services.
Main Point :- (i) The ALH Dhruv is a 5.5-tonne, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter developed indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Over 340 units have been produced so far and are actively deployed across both military and civilian sectors in India.
(ii) The earlier grounding of the fleet had a significant impact on military readiness, notably affecting the Sarang Helicopter Display Team of the IAF, which missed Aero India 2025.
(iii) The resumption of operations comes after limited flying was restarted in Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) following the Pahalgam terror attack.
About Indian Army (IA)
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS): General Upendra Dwivedi
Headquarters: New Delhi
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