Army grounds ALH Dhruv chopper fleet after J-K crash | India News

NEW DELHI: The Army has temporarily grounded its fleet of ALH Dhruv choppers following a crash in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar on May 1 in which one soldier was killed and two others were injured.
“In view of the crash in which one Army jawan lost his life on May 4, operations of the ALH Dhruv choppers have been halted as a precautionary measure by the force,” said defence officials.
This is the second time in the last two months that the Dhruv chopper have been grounded for checks.
In March, a Dhruv helicopter belonging to the Navy crashed during a routine flying mission off Mumbai. It experienced a sudden loss of power and rapid loss of height forcing the pilot to carry out a controlled ditching over water. The three-member aircrew were not injured.

Another accident happened in Kochi in April when a Coast Guard helicopter made a crash landing during trials.
The Navy and the Coast Guard grounded their respective ALH Dhruv fleets following the incidents.
Army workhorse
The Army operates around 110 ALH Dhruv choppers and relies on it extensively in high altitude and other operational areas.
The latest decision to ground the fleet comes at a time when the military is carrying out high-intensity operations in Rajouri and Baramulla.
With Dhruv choppers grounded, the Army will have to rely on its Cheetah/Chetak fleet.
In total, the defence forces operate around 300 Dhruv choppers — designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
(With inputs from agencies)