Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil, along with others, pose near the Dhruv-NG helicopter, at HAL Helicopter Division in Bengaluru on December 30, 2025.
| Photo Credit: J. Allen Egenuse
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) marked a breakthrough in India’s civil aviation ecosystem as the Dhruv New Generation (NG) helicopter successfully undertook its maiden flight at HAL’s Helicopter Division in Bengaluru, signalling the PSU’s formal entry into the civil helicopter market and a significant step towards self-reliance in civil aviation.
The inaugural flight was flagged off by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in the presence of D.K. Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL; Maneesh Kumar, Joint Director General, DGCA; Sanjeev Razdan, CMD, Pawan Hans Ltd; and senior HAL officials.
During the event, HAL also received the DGCA certification for ‘Indigenous Manufacturing of the Shakti Civil Engine’, a first-of-its-kind achievement in Indian aviation. This marks the first aero engine certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for indigenous production, representing a significant leap in India’s self-reliance in critical aviation technologies. The milestone was achieved with the participation of Safran Engines and close coordination with the DGCA.
HAL informed that the Dhruv NG is progressing steadily towards full civil certification within the next three to four months, positioning it as a key platform for India’s growing civil helicopter market.
Describing the occasion as a “flight of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” Mr. Naidu said the maiden sortie reflected India’s growing confidence and capability in aviation manufacturing.
“This flight marks an important milestone in Indian aviation. I can see the sankalp of a Viksit Bharat taking wings. HAL has successfully conducted the inaugural flight within a year of showcasing the demo. Dhruv NG has emerged as a platform for several operators, and Make in India is now a seal of global quality,” he said.
Dr. Sunil termed the Dhruv NG the cornerstone of the company’s civil aviation expansion.
“The Dhruv ‘New Gen’ helicopter builds on the proven Dhruv Mk 1 civil platform, which has already clocked over 24,000 flying hours. It has been specifically upgraded to meet the rigorous demands of the global civil aviation market,” he said, adding that the helicopter offered enhanced safety, high performance and cost-effectiveness, making it a strong indigenous alternative to imported platforms.
Designed and manufactured in India, the Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter, engineered to operate across diverse and challenging Indian terrains. With its improved systems and civil certification road map, the platform is expected to play a significant role in strengthening India’s indigenous civil aviation ecosystem and reducing dependence on foreign helicopters.
Published – December 30, 2025 07:31 pm IST
