Indian ALH Helicopters Face Fresh Safety Issues

New Safety Concerns Plague Indian ALH Helicopters

Why in the News ?

The Indian Army reported a tail drive shaft (TDS) defect in an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, prompting fleet-wide one-time safety checks. This comes months after the fleet was grounded following the fatal Porbandar crash and recurring safety concerns.

Indian ALH Helicopters Face Fresh Safety Issues

Recent Incident and Safety Checks:

  • On September 4, 2025, an Army Aviation ALH reported a broken TDS bearing mount during flight operations.
  • The Directorate General of Electronics & Mechanical Engineers (Aviation) immediately ordered priority safety checks across all ALH units of the army, air force, and navy.
  • Checks include TDS bearings, elastomeric bushes, cracks on tail boom top face sheet, and rivets inspection using magnifying equipment.
  • Each helicopter will be cleared for flying only after the one-time inspection.
  • This precaution comes just months after ALHs were declared airworthy on May 1, following long grounding after the January 5 Porbandar crash.

Ongoing Investigations and HAL’s Role:

  • After the Porbandar crash, HAL engaged Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for fatigue testing of transmission components.
  • A Defect Investigation Committee (DIC), including CEMILAC, DG AQA, and HAL, is reviewing ALH systems.
  • HAL has instrumented ALHs from the navy and coast guard to collect data on transmission, gearbox, and rotor hub
  • Problems appear linked to sustained maritime operations, where corrosion and fatigue play larger roles.
  • The design review in 2023-24 had led to control system replacements, but recurring glitches keep raising doubts about reliability.

About Advanced Light Helicopter :

●     ALH Dhruv: Designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), inducted in early 2000s.

●     Fleet Size: Around 300 ALHs are operated by the army and air force, with another 30 by navy and coast guard.

●     Role: Used for utility, reconnaissance, transport, and rescue missions.

●     Technical Concern: The Tail Drive Shaft (TDS) transfers engine power to the tail rotor, ensuring directional stability.

●     Safety Record: Involved in around 15 accidents in the last five years, raising persistent concerns about airworthiness.