Grounded Skies: ALH Dhruv and LCA Tejas Absent from Republic Day Flypast

The grounding of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-Dhruv) following a crash has led to its absence from the Republic Day flypast. Similarly, the Tejas aircraft will not feature due to a new policy on single-engine flights at such events. Approximately 330 ALHs remain grounded pending investigation results.

The indigenously developed ALH-Dhruv helicopters will not participate in the Republic Day flypast as the entire fleet has been grounded following a crash earlier this month.

After a Coast Guard ALH incident on January 5 in Gujarat, an investigation was launched, temporarily sidelining approximately 330 choppers from flying activities.

Meanwhile, the LCA Tejas will also be absent from the flypast due to a recent policy curtailing single-engine flights at the parade. Other aircraft and helicopters will fill the skies for the parade ceremonies.

(With inputs from agencies.)