**Location and Context**
Christchurch, New Zealand — Following a **fatal crash** in January 2023, **India’s entire fleet** of **Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH)** remains grounded. However, some helicopters have been allowed to fly after a **terrorist attack** in **Pahalgam, Kashmir**, on **April 23, 2023**.
**Military Reliance and Investigation**
The Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard rely heavily on **over 330** Dhruv helicopters. The fleet’s suspension continues amid an ongoing **accident investigation**. Recently, some helicopters were observed flying, indicating a possible **temporary clearance** for **counterterrorism operations** in Jammu and Kashmir.
**Flight Hours and Crash History**
The ALH fleet, manufactured by **Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)**, has logged **450,000 flight hours**, but it has experienced **28 crashes** in the past **25 years**. Preliminary investigations attributed the latest crash to a **swashplate fracture**, which is crucial for translating pilot inputs into rotor blade motion.
**Statements from HAL Management**
D.K. Sunil, HAL’s chairman and managing director, stated in February that the design of the ALH has no inherent faults. The company is collaborating with the Indian Coast Guard to review maintenance practices to determine if improvements are necessary. A final report from the **Defect Investigation Committee** is anticipated in **May 2023**, which will influence future clearance decisions. If rectification work is needed, the grounding may extend for at least **six months**.
**Impact on Military Operations**
The grounding has strained military operations and led to the leasing of civilian helicopters to fill the operational gaps.
**Criticism of HAL**
Criticism has been directed at HAL, particularly from **Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh**, who expressed a lack of confidence in the company. He has urged HAL to address these concerns. In response, HAL issued a press release on **April 10**, condemning what it termed “speculative stories with malicious intentions” regarding safety issues.
**Future Projects and Order Backlog**
HAL’s backlog of orders has extended to **seven years**, and the company is engaged in multiple helicopter projects, including the **Light Utility Helicopter** (maiden flight in **September 2016**), which has yet to enter serial production. Over **300** **13-ton-class Indian Multi-Role Helicopters** are also planned for the next decade.
On **March 28, 2023**, HAL secured two contracts for **Prachand Light Combat Helicopters (LCH)**: **90 for the army** and **66 for the air force**, totaling over **$7 billion**. The Ministry of Defence projected that the first LCHs would be delivered three years post-contract signature, with production continuing for five additional years, aiming for over **65% indigenous content**.
**Historical Deliveries and Export Goals**
HAL previously delivered **15 limited-series production LCHs**, with the first being handed over in **2021**. The company aims for **25% of its revenue** to come from aircraft exports; however, overseas sales currently represent only **1%** of total revenue.
**Author Information**
Gordon Arthur serves as an Asia correspondent for **Defense News**, having spent 20 years in **Hong Kong** and currently residing in **New Zealand**. He has participated in military exercises and defense exhibitions across approximately **20 countries** in the Asia-Pacific region.
