Hero Post 010 | April 23, 2025

Dhruv Helicopters Resume Flights in Anantnag After Pahalgam Attack: A Testament to Resilience

📅 Context

Following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, India’s grounded fleet of indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) resumed limited operational flying in the Anantnag area to support security operations.

🔍 Focus

Addressing the shortage of aerial mobility after the grounding of the ALH fleet and highlighting operational adaptations in response to emergent security challenges.

📊 Key Themes

• Critical role of aerial platforms in counter-terror operations
• Resumption of ALH flights under controlled conditions
• Intelligence failures and security lapses in tourist regions
• Continuing threat posed by foreign terrorists

✈️ Situation Overview

• Entire ALH fleet grounded after January 2025 crash at Porbandar, Gujarat.
• Over 300 helicopters across Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard affected.
• Ministry of Defence permitted operational use based on ground commander’s assessment post-Pahalgam attack.

🌊 Pahalgam Terror Attack and Aftermath

• Estimated 125-130 active terrorists in Kashmir; 115-120 are Pakistani nationals.
• Attack aimed to disrupt tourism normalcy after Article 370 abrogation.
• Surge in Amarnath Yatra pilgrim numbers over the past two years highlighted the region’s regained stability.

🔧 Intelligence Lapses

• General alert issued, but no actionable input on Pahalgam.
• Lack of electronic surveillance in key tourist spots.
• Around ten locations lacked sufficient security personnel.

🔬 Explainer: Indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) – Dhruv

• Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Designed for high-altitude operations, search and rescue, troop transport, and logistics.
• ALH Mk-III variant equipped with modern avionics, weather radar, electro-optical sensors.
• A key platform for multi-role missions across all three services and Coast Guard.

🧰 GS Paper Mapping

🌟 Reflection

Amid the weight of sorrow and the tremors of betrayal, the spirit of resilience finds its wings—rising above broken alerts and scattered trust, to guard the valleys where peace dares to bloom again.