Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Dhruv Helicopters Await Key Modifications Before Resuming Flights
The Indian Coast Guard and Navy have some special helicopters called Dhruv.
These helicopters need a small but important part fixed to make them safer.
This part, called the Non-Rotating Swashplate Bearing, helps the helicopter's blades move.
The helicopters will be fixed in groups over the next few months.
This is because a few helicopters had problems recently, and one even crashed.
The helicopters for the Army and Air Force don't need this fix.
The Dhruv helicopters have been used for a long time and have flown many hours, but this is the first time this specific part had a problem.
The fix will help the helicopters handle the tough conditions they face, like landing on ships and being near salty sea water.
The Indian Coast Guard and Navy's ALH Dhruv helicopters will undergo modifications to the Non-Rotating Swashplate Bearing (NRSB) to improve its fatigue life.
The modifications are recommended by the Defect Investigation Committee after a fatal crash in January 2024.
All 28 Dhruvs with the ICG and Navy will be modified in batches over the next six months.
The Army and Air Force's Dhruv helicopters do not require this modification and have already resumed flying.
The Dhruv helicopters have faced four crashes since 2023, including one fatal crash in January 2024.
- Who
- Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Indian Navy
- What
- Modifications to the Non-Rotating Swashplate Bearing (NRSB) of ALH Dhruv helicopters
- When
- Modifications to be completed in around six months
- Where
- Helicopters operated by the ICG and Navy
- Why
- To improve the fatigue life of the NRSB and prevent future crashes
- Helicopter Model
- Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv
- Affected Organizations
- Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Indian Navy
- Component to be Modified
- Non-Rotating Swashplate Bearing (NRSB)
- Reason for Modification
- Improve fatigue life and address fracture issues
- Number of Helicopters Affected
- 28
- Expected Completion Time
- Around six months
- Recent Crashes
- Four crashes since 2023, including one fatal crash in January 2024
- Total Dhruv Helicopters Produced
- 345 (as of June 2024)