India has grounded more than 100 HAL Dhruv light helicopters since the helicopter was introduced into service, following 50 crashes that led to the termination of multiple overseas contracts with HAL. The Indian Air Force cited safety concerns, non-delivery of parts, and a high accident rate as reasons for the termination.
HAL stated that maintenance was the responsibility of the Indian Air Force after the warranty period expired and that spares had not been supplied in a timely manner.
As of January 2025, 50 ALHs were lost in 23 years of service, leading to the deaths of 35 pilots, 100 passengers and civilians.
In a significant setback for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the government of India, which had purchased 400 units of Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters from the state-owned Indian company, has grounded 100 choppers in service unilaterally.
The production line of HAL helicopters is open to Modi’s Make in India initiatives and supports local businesses, recognising that the helicopters are not suitable for high-altitude environments.
This decision was taken after 50 of the 410 Indian built choppers crashed. They were supplied to India between 2009 and 2024.
Most of the fatalities were linked to mechanical failure. According to AP reports, the Indian Defence Minister has announced that most of these helicopters crashed due to mechanical problems, and that obtaining spare components for the choppers from India’s HAL has proven to be problematic.
Four of the seven Dhruv helicopters delivered to Ecuador crashed between 2009 and 2015. Ecuador terminated the contract with HAL in 2015. The Ecuadorian government cited safety concerns, non-delivery of parts, and the high accident rate as reasons for the termination.
HAL argued that the warranty had expired and that the Indian Air Force was responsible for maintenance after the warranty period had elapsed. Additionally, it claimed that spares had not been delivered on time.
Reacting to the situation in India, senior officials at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru have informed NDTV that they received official notification of the contract cancellation from Ecuador. HAL admitted to mechanical failures on the helicopters, as indicated by investigation reports.
HAL, which had provided ground support for these choppers in India, has said that the 50 choppers that crashed allegedly due to mechanical defects.
There are more than 400 Dhruv helicopters in service with the Indian Armed Forces, which have a high accident rate. The aircraft, which is not capable of high-altitude operations, had been hindering the Army’s role in the rescues in Uttarakhand during the Kedarnath floods.
India had grounded more than 100 HAL Druv helicopters due to technical faults with the rotors and flight control system.
The Ecuadorian decision to scrap its contract with HAL will come as a significant blow to the company, which is seeking foreign customers for the Dhruv choppers, which have low service availability with the Indian Armed Forces. The Indian Armed Forces are seeking alternative helicopters in the United States and Europe.
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