Archive · 19 Sep 2025
HAL: Most Dhruv Crashes Due to Maintenance or Operation
The HAL Dhruv helicopter, used by the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, has had several crashes since 2023.
The head of HAL says most crashes were not due to how the helicopters were made.
A recent crash showed a possible problem with a part called the Non-Rotating Swashplate Bearing.
The Army and Air Force can fly, but the Navy and Coast Guard are still grounded.
Navy and Coast Guard choppers are expected back in the air in several months after gearbox checks and defect investigations.
Investigations are happening to figure out what went wrong.
HAL says most Dhruv helicopter crashes since 2023 are not due to manufacturing defects.
The crashes have led to fleet-wide groundings for investigation.
A recent crash revealed potential issues with the Non-Rotating Swashplate Bearing.
Army and Air Force Dhruvs have been cleared to fly; Navy and Coast Guard variants are still grounded.
Return to service for Navy and Coast Guard choppers expected in several months after gearbox inspections.
- Who
- HAL and the Indian Navy and Coast Guard
- What
- Investigation into the cause of Dhruv helicopter crashes.
- When
- Crashes occurred since 2023; latest in January 2025
- Where
- Multiple locations in India, including Mumbai, Kochi, and Porbandar.
- Why
- To determine the cause of the crashes and prevent future incidents.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Indian Navy and Coast Guard
Cause of Crashes
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Most crashes are not due to manufacturing or design defects.
Indian Navy and Coast Guard
Ongoing investigations to determine the cause of the crashes, with focus on operational and maintenance issues.
- Number of Dhruv Choppers in Service
- Approximately 338
- Crashes Since 2023
- 4
- HAL's Stance
- 3 of 4 crashes not due to manufacturing defects
- Recent Crash Component
- Non-Rotating Swashplate Bearing (NRSB)
- Affected Variants
- Navy and Coast Guard
- Fleet Grounding
- Ongoing for Navy and Coast Guard variants
- Expected Fleet Return
- Several months