The Indigenous Dhruv Helicopter, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has been cleared for military use after a thorough investigation into a recent crash incident. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and other defense agencies had grounded the aircraft for a period of time to review its safety and performance. Following a detailed probe, the helicopter has been certified for operational deployment once again.

Key Highlights:

• The Dhruv Helicopter, a versatile, multi-role aircraft, had been temporarily grounded after a crash involving one of the units during a routine training exercise. The investigation concluded that the incident was due to pilot error rather than a fault in the helicopter's design or manufacturing.
• HAL has made improvements to certain safety features based on the findings of the probe, including enhanced rotor blade controls and upgraded avionics, further ensuring the aircraft’s operational safety.
• The Indigenous Dhruv is an advanced utility helicopter used by the Indian Armed Forces for a wide range of missions, including troop transport, search and rescue, and medical evacuation. Its return to service marks an important moment for India’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
• Defense Minister and other officials lauded the findings of the probe, emphasizing India’s commitment to strengthening its domestic defense capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign military hardware.
• The IAF, which had been actively using the Dhruv for various missions, expressed confidence in the helicopter’s continued performance and its role in modernizing the fleet of the Indian Armed Forces.
• The clearance of the Dhruv Helicopter for military operations aligns with India’s broader goals of indigenizing defense technology and ensuring that homegrown solutions meet the highest international standards of safety and performance.
• The Dhruv’s operational return is expected to bolster India’s defense preparedness, particularly in regions with challenging terrains like the Himalayas and border areas.