Indian Army grounds ALH Dhruv fleet after May 4 crash in J-K
New Delhi, May 6: In the midst of continuing counter-terrorism operations in the Jammu and Kashmir region, the Indian Army has grounded its fleet of ALH Dhruv choppers in the aftermath of a May 4 crash in Kishtwar that killed one soldier.
The chopper fleet has been grounded for the second time in two months for checks. The first crash occurred in March in Mumbai, when a Navy chopper ditched after performing VVIP duties.
Another accident occurred in Kochi in April when a Coast Guard helicopter crashed landing during trials.
"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," Defence officials said.
The grounding of choppers hampered operations because military movements had to rely on the Cheetah/ Chetak fleet even while high-intensity operations against terrorist organisations were underway in Rajouri and Baramulla.
The ALH Dhruv is the Indian Army's workhorse, with considerable use in high altitude and other operational regions.
The Army Aviation Corps employs many variants of these choppers including the Rudra Weapon System Integrated version.
Also Read: King Charles III's Coronation Ceremony: 40th monarch of the royal family
- ANI
