India’s indigenous Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) has been a matter of concern due to its repeated accidents. In the latest incident, a soldier was killed, and two Army pilots were injured after their chopper made a hard landing in the forested area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir. This was the fourth accident involving the 5.5-tonne ALH in just over six months, leading to the grounding of the entire fleet of over 300 such two-engine choppers in the armed forces twice for technical checks by the manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL).
The pilots had reported a technical fault in the ALH, which was on an operational mission, to the air traffic controller. They attempted a precautionary landing on the banks of the Marua river, but due to the undulating ground, undergrowth, and unprepared landing area, the helicopter made a hard landing, leading to the death of a chopper technician and serious injury to one of the pilots.
In March 2021, a naval chopper had to carry out a “controlled ditching in the water” off Mumbai after the pilots reported “a sudden loss of power and rapid loss of height.” Moreover, an ALH of the Coast Guard had to make a “forced landing” soon after taking off from Kochi on March 26.
The Dhruv ALH was developed by HAL and has been in service with the Indian armed forces since 2002. It is a multi-role, multi-mission helicopter that can be used for transportation, reconnaissance, and combat search and rescue. The ALH was touted as a modern and advanced helicopter, equipped with the latest technology and avionics. However, the repeated accidents have raised questions about the safety and reliability of the chopper.
The accidents have prompted the Indian Air Force (IAF) to order a comprehensive investigation into the ALH accidents. HAL has also been directed to expedite the supply of spare parts to address the technical issues. The IAF has stated that it will continue to use the ALH, but with necessary precautions and modifications.
The repeated accidents of the Dhruv ALH have not only raised concerns about the safety and reliability of the chopper but also highlight the need for better quality control, maintenance, and training of the pilots and technicians. The Indian government must ensure that the necessary steps are taken to address the safety concerns and restore the confidence of the armed forces in the indigenous helicopter.
In conclusion, the accidents involving the Dhruv ALH have become a cause of concern, and the Indian government must take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the armed forces personnel. The continued use of the ALH must be accompanied by rigorous safety checks, maintenance, and training of pilots and technicians. It is essential to address the technical issues and restore the confidence of the armed forces in the indigenous helicopter.
