ALH Helicopter Grounding Update

January 21, 2025

In early January 2025, the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet was grounded following a tragic crash that resulted in the loss of three lives from the Indian Coast Guard. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed that the ALH will not participate in the upcoming Republic Day flypast, although 39 other aircraft are expected to take part.

ALH Grounding Reason

The entire ALH fleet was grounded after a crash on January 5, 2025. The incident involved a training sortie that ended fatally for two pilots and one crew member. A Board of Inquiry is investigating the crash, focusing on the Flight Data Recorder and the helicopter’s transmission system.

Republic Day Parade Details

The Republic Day parade on January 26 will feature 39 aircraft in 12 formations. The military character of the parade will be maintained, but there will be an increased emphasis on societal and cultural participation.

Daredevils’ World Record

The Indian Army’s Motorcycle Rider Display Team, known as the “Daredevils,” set a new world record by forming the tallest human pyramid on moving motorcycles, reaching 20.4 feet. This feat adds to their impressive tally of 33 world records.

About Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)

The ALH, also known as Dhruv, is an indigenously developed helicopter by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
It is a twin-engine utility aircraft with multi-role capabilities. Development began in 1984, and it first flew in 1992, entering service in 2002.
The ALH has several variants, including Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III, and Mk-IV.

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