3 min readBengaluruJan 30, 2025 09:45 AM IST
First published on: Jan 29, 2025 at 05:06 PM IST
In this year’s Aero India show, the participation of the Indian Air Force’s premier display team Sarang is uncertain, as all 330 Dhruv advanced light helicopters, or the ALH Dhruv, have been grounded following a crash reported in January.
The Sarang display team, known for its breathtaking manoeuvres, is one of the prime attractions at Aero India, a biennial air show held in Bengaluru. However, the team may miss this edition due to the grounding of its helicopters. Sarang and another IAF team, Suryakiran, have participated in every edition of the show along with international teams.
Following the recent crashes that forced Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to ground all Dhruv helicopters, Sarang has not confirmed its participation. The team did not participate in an air show held on January 21 and 22 in Vadodara, Gujarat, as it failed to get clearance. Suryakiran performed at the event.
Speaking to indianexpress.com, a source in the IAF said there had been no communication regarding Sarang’s participation in Aero India 2025. “We are waiting for the communication and the team is ready. However, considering the gravity of the past incidents, it may take time for a comprehensive evaluation,” the source added.
Three deaths in Gujarat
The last performance of Sarang was at the Beypore International Water Fest in Kozhikode on January 4. The following day, an Indian Coast Guard ALH Dhruv MK III crashed at Gujarat’s Porbandar Airport, resulting in the deaths of three crew members. In response, HAL directed the temporary grounding of all 330 Dhruv helicopters and is conducting a detailed investigation, including a technical review of the helicopters. A committee has been formed under Air Marshal Vibhas Pande, a former chief of the Indian Air Force Maintenance Command, to provide inputs on the maintenance of Coast Guard helicopters.
An IAF officer said, “Until the investigations are completed and a report with recommendations is submitted, the ALH cannot be flown. We are waiting for the intimation. But even if the Sarang display team receives a positive word at the last minute, they are confident about participating in Aero India 2025.”
The advanced light helicopter variant flown by Sarang is the ALH Dhruv MK I. Safety concerns regarding these helicopters have been raised for some time, with a series of incidents reported. In October last year, an ALH had to make a forced landing due to engine failure during Bihar flood relief operations. In September, an ALH Dhruv MK III of the Coast Guard crashed into the Arabian Sea during a medical evacuation, resulting in the deaths of two personnel onboard.
Sarang was formed in 2003 and its first international public performance took place in 2004 at the Asian Aerospace Show in Singapore. The team, which began with a three-helicopter formation, has since expanded to five helicopters and performed over 1,200 displays at over 385 venues in India and abroad.
The Dhruv helicopter, designed and conceived by HAL, is an all-weather, multi-mission capable helicopter. It features rigid, hingeless rotors, making it highly manoeuvrable and suitable for military roles.
Following the recent crashes that forced Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to ground all Dhruv helicopters, Sarang has not confirmed its participation. (Express Photo) 
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