HAL Launches Dhruv NG for Civil Aviation | 31 Dec 2025

Source: TH

Recently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) conducted the maiden flight of the Dhruv–New Generation (NG) in Bengaluru, marking its formal push into the civil and export helicopter markets.

• Positioning: The Dhruv Civil NG is being projected as a cost-effective indigenous alternative to imported twin-engine helicopters, with lifecycle support spanning manufacturing, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Logistics: HAL plans to ensure higher fleet availability through integrated support models such as Power-By-Hour and performance-based logistics.
• Design: Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne, indigenously developed, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter, capable of day-night, all-weather operations, and derived from the Dhruv ALH Mk-III civil platform.
• Capability: Powered by indigenous Shakti engines with Cat-A performance and AS4-compliant systems, it is suitable for demanding roles including offshore operations of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).
• Certification: HAL secured Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) type certification for indigenous manufacture of the Shakti civil engine (a national first) and restricted certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2023.
• Significance: Building on a proven Dhruv platform with over 3.75 lakh flying hours, Dhruv NG strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat, reduces import dependence, and anchors India’s indigenous civil helicopter ecosystem.