159.
🚁
✈️ Grounded Wings, Soaring Spirits: ALH Dhruv Sidelined from Republic Day Flypast
🚨 ALH Fleet Grounded After Tragic Coast Guard Crash
In early January 2025, the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet was grounded after a tragic crash on January 5, resulting in the loss of three lives from the Indian Coast Guard.
- The crash occurred during a training sortie.
- Two pilots and one crew member lost their lives.
- A Board of Inquiry is investigating:
- Flight Data Recorder
- Transmission system suspected of malfunction
🇮🇳 Republic Day 2025: Missing One, Soaring with Many
- ALH helicopters will not participate in this year’s Republic Day Flypast.
- Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh confirmed the decision.
- However, the skies will still host a 39-aircraft flypast in 12 stunning formations.
🔥 Daredevils Set New World Record
The Indian Army’s famed Motorcycle Rider Display Team – The Daredevils – set the world ablaze (figuratively) with:
- 🚨 Tallest human pyramid on moving motorcycles
- 📏 Reached a record-breaking height of 20.4 feet
- 🏆 Their 33rd world record — a proud moment in military showmanship
🚁 Know Your Aircraft: The ALH Dhruv
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏭 Manufacturer | Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
| 🧬 Development Started | 1984 |
| ✈️ First Flight | 1992 |
| 🪖 Entered Service | 2002 |
| 🔁 Engine Type | Twin-engine utility helicopter |
| 🧭 Roles | Transport, reconnaissance, search & rescue, anti-submarine, and attack variants |
| 🔄 Variants | Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III, Mk-IV |
🇮🇳 Dhruv, meaning pole star, symbolizes the aircraft’s stabilizing presence in India’s rotary-wing capabilities.
📌 Summary
The grounding of the ALH Dhruv marks a sobering moment just ahead of India’s grandest celebration of military pride. While its absence will be felt at the Republic Day parade, the spirit of the armed forces — as demonstrated by the Daredevils’ incredible feat — remains unshaken.
