Major Overhaul Planned for Indigenous Dhruv Helicopters in Navy and Coast Guard Fleets

All indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv currently serving with the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard are set to undergo a comprehensive upgrade, following key findings that emerged during the investigation of a recent crash.

Dhruv Fleet to Undergo Six-Month Modernisation Cycle

According to a report by The Indian Express, all naval and Coast Guard Dhruv helicopters will be sent for manufacturing-level upgrades, aimed at enhancing performance, reliability, and flight safety. Senior officials said the overhaul will be conducted in batches, and each aircraft is expected to rejoin its fleet after approximately six months.

Crash Probe Panel Flags Critical Component Issue

The move follows recommendations by a Defect Investigation Committee, which probed the January 5 Coast Guard Dhruv crash in Porbandar.
The committee highlighted the need to improve the manufacturing process of the Non-Rotating Swashplate Bearing (NRSB)—a critical component that transfers flight-control inputs to the main rotor blades.

Investigators emphasised that Dhruv helicopters used by the Navy and Coast Guard operate in high-corrosion, high-fatigue environments such as salty coastal zones and ship-deck operations. Enhancing the fatigue life of the NRSB was deemed crucial for long-term safety.

28 Naval and Coast Guard Dhruv Helicopters to Be Modified

All 28 Dhruv helicopters in service with the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard will undergo the NRSB modification.
The helicopters will be cleared for operations only after the upgrades are completed.
HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), the manufacturer of ALH Dhruv, has not yet commented on the committee’s observations.

Army and Air Force Versions Already Cleared to Fly

After the Porbandar crash—which occurred due to a broken NRSB and led to the loss of three Coast Guard personnel—the entire Dhruv fleet across Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard had been grounded temporarily.
However, the panel found no issues with the Army and Air Force variants, and these have already resumed flying.

Dhruv: 25 Years of Service to India’s Armed Forces

The Dhruv ALH has been a backbone of India’s rotary-wing capability for over 25 years.
A 5.5-ton, twin-engine, multi-mission helicopter designed and manufactured entirely in India, Dhruv has seen 345 units built as of June 2024.

While the platform has had a strong safety record overall, four incidents since 2023 have raised fresh concerns, prompting the current round of detailed inspections and upgrades.