By A Correspondent

Bengaluru (Karnataka): India’s state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) marked a major milestone in its indigenous aviation journey with the successful maiden flight of the Dhruv NG multi-role helicopter here on December 30, 2025.

The inaugural flight, flagged off by Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu, signals a significant step towards strengthening India’s self-reliance in civil and dual-use rotary-wing platforms.

The Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine helicopter designed and manufactured by HAL to meet the demanding operational requirements of India’s varied geography, while also complying with global civil aviation standards.

According to HAL, the next-generation helicopter has been comprehensively upgraded to offer higher safety, improved performance, and greater passenger comfort, positioning it as a competitive offering for both domestic operators and international markets.

Powered by twin Shakti 1H1C engines, the Dhruv NG features a civil-certified glass cockpit compliant with AS4 requirements and a modern avionics suite that enhances situational awareness.

The helicopter has a maximum take-off weight of 5,500 kg, a top speed of around 285 kmph, and a range of approximately 630 km with reserve fuel.

It offers an endurance of nearly three hours and forty minutes and is capable of operations up to a service ceiling of about 6,000 metres, enabling effective high-altitude performance.

Safety enhancements include crashworthy seats, self-sealing fuel tanks, and a proven twin-engine configuration that ensures high redundancy.

With an internal payload capacity of around 1,000 kg, the Dhruv NG is suited for a wide spectrum of missions such as VIP transport, passenger services, air ambulance operations (HEMS), law enforcement, disaster relief, and search-and-rescue roles.

In a parallel development, HAL also received the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s certification for the indigenous manufacture of the Shakti civil engine, the first time an aero engine has been cleared by the DGCA for domestic production.

Ram Mohan Naidu described both achievements as defining moments for India’s civil aviation sector, noting that the country’s helicopter fleet is projected to exceed 1,000 aircraft over the next 10 to 15 years.

He highlighted that helicopters have been brought under the UDAN 5.1 scheme, significantly reducing operational costs and improving regional connectivity.

HAL Chairman and Managing Director Dr D. K. Sunil said full civil certification of the Dhruv NG is expected in the coming months, with 130 test flights planned using two prototypes.

He added that eight Dhruv NG helicopters will be deployed by India’s state-run helicopter services company, Pawan Hans Limited, for offshore logistics operations at the Bombay High, indicating early operational use of the platform.

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