Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced on Monday that the indigenously designed and produced Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) will not take part in this year’s Republic Day flypast. This decision follows the grounding of the entire fleet of 330 helicopters by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) after a tragic crash on January 5, which resulted in the deaths of two pilots and an aircrew member from the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
Singh confirmed statements made earlier by the Indian Air Force, noting that 39 other aircraft will participate in the flypast scheduled for January 26. "While the ALH will not be part of the parade, a total of 39 different aircraft will be involved, showcasing 12 unique formations," he stated during a press conference.
A Board of Inquiry is currently investigating the accident involving the ICG’s ALH Mk-3. The board is analyzing the Flight Data Recorder and may further examine the helicopter’s transmission system to determine the cause of the crash. Initial assessments indicated that major systems appeared to be functioning properly, according to reports from BusinessLine on January 9.
The ALH had successfully completed a training sortie lasting an hour and a half and returned safely to its base in Porbandar, Gujarat, on January 5. However, during its second flight attempt, the helicopter tragically crashed near the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Porbandar.
Singh also emphasized that this year’s Republic Day parade would include a broader representation of society and culture. “While we will uphold the military and martial spirit of the parade, we aim to incorporate increasing participation from diverse sections of society and cultural elements,” he remarked.
In preparation for the Republic Day celebrations on January 26, MI-17 V-5 helicopters, various All Terrain Vehicles, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems, and Apache attack helicopters participated in rehearsal drills at Kartavya Path on Monday.
To bolster security in anticipation of Republic Day, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has intensified passenger screening at metro stations, which will be in effect until January 27, 2025.
Amid these preparations, the Indian Army’s Motorcycle Rider Display Team, known as the “Daredevils,” achieved a remarkable world record on Monday at Kartavya Path. The team, part of the Corps of Signals, formed the tallest human pyramid on moving motorcycles, reaching an impressive height of 20.4 feet. This formation consisted of 40 individuals on seven motorcycles and covered a distance of two kilometers from Vijay Chowk to India Gate, as reported by the Indian Army.
With this latest accomplishment, the team has established an astounding total of 33 world records, including entries in the Guinness Book of World Records, the Asia Book of Records, and the Limca Book of Records.
