Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) today successfully conducted the first flight of the Dhruv New Generation (NG) helicopter, marking the company’s formal entry into the civil helicopter market. The inaugural flight was flagged off by Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Hon’ble Minister of Civil Aviation, at HAL’s Helicopter Division in Bengaluru, in the presence of senior officials from HAL, DGCA, and Pawan Hans Limited. The event represents a key step in expanding India’s domestic civil aviation manufacturing capabilities.
At the same occasion, HAL received certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the indigenous manufacture of the Shakti Civil Engine. This is the first aero engine to be cleared by DGCA for domestic production and reflects steady progress in building in-country capability for critical aviation technologies. The certification has been achieved with technical collaboration from Safran Engines and close coordination with the DGCA. HAL stated that the Dhruv NG is on track to receive full civil certification within the next three to four months.
Speaking at the event, the Civil Aviation Minister described the flight as an important development for Indian aviation, noting HAL’s ability to move from demonstration to flight within a year. He highlighted the growing acceptance of Indian-built platforms by civil operators and said that domestic manufacturing is increasingly meeting global quality expectations.
Dr D K Sunil, CMD, HAL, said the Dhruv NG will form the foundation of HAL’s civil helicopter portfolio. He noted that the earlier Dhruv Mk 1 Civil variant has already accumulated more than 24,000 flying hours, and that the New Generation version has been upgraded to meet international civil aviation requirements. According to HAL, the Dhruv NG is designed to deliver improved safety features, higher performance, and competitive operating costs, positioning it as a viable alternative to imported helicopters.
The Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter designed and manufactured by HAL to operate across varied and challenging Indian conditions. Powered by twin Shakti 1H1C engines, it features a civil-certified glass cockpit compliant with AS4 standards and an advanced avionics suite to enhance pilot awareness. Safety features include crashworthy seating, self-sealing fuel tanks, and a redundant twin-engine configuration. The helicopter is also equipped with vibration control systems to provide a stable and comfortable ride, suitable for VIP and emergency medical services.
HAL provides end-to-end support covering manufacturing, maintenance, and upgrades, supported by integrated logistics solutions such as Power-by-Hour and Performance-Based Logistics models to ensure consistent fleet availability. Headquartered in Bengaluru, HAL has been instrumental in advancing India’s self-reliance in aerospace technology through projects like the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, the Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv, and various collaborations with global aerospace leaders. The company’s contributions extend beyond defense, as it is now expanding into the production of passenger aircraft, marking a new chapter in India’s journey toward becoming a global aviation hub. HAL continues to embody the spirit of innovation and Aatmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening indigenous capabilities and fostering growth in the nation’s aerospace ecosystem
