India’s maritime surveillance capabilities are facing a significant setback due to the prolonged grounding of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv fleet, impacting both the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. The Indian Coast Guard has reported a regression in operational capacity to 1980s levels, severely limiting its ability to conduct vital surveillance and rapid response missions. The situation escalated following a tragic crash of an ALH Mk-III, leading to a complete fleet grounding and raising concerns over helicopter safety and maintenance practices. This crisis underscores India’s vulnerabilities in maritime security amidst rising challenges in the Indian Ocean Region, emphasizing the urgent need for restoring confidence and operational readiness in naval aviation assets.