Civil Aviation Minister Naidu Flags Off HAL's Dhruv NG Helicopter

Bengaluru: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Tuesday flagged off the Dhruv NG helicopter at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru, marking a key step in India's civil and defence aviation programme. Senior officials from HAL and the aviation sector were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Naidu said India's helicopter ecosystem needs rapid expansion to meet growing civil and strategic requirements. "Today, India has around 300 helicopters, but the actual requirement is between 1,000 and 1,500. This demand cannot be met through imports alone," he said, adding that indigenous platforms like Dhruv NG are crucial to bridge this gap.

He said HAL had long functioned like a bicycle with one dominant wheel — defence — but was now evolving into a balanced organisation riding on two equal wheels — defence and civil aviation. "This is an especially proud moment for me as the civil aviation minister," he said, adding that the development reflected India's growing confidence in indigenous aerospace manufacturing.

He emphasised that the Dhruv NG was not just a machine but a symbol of India's capability, confidence and commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Naidu recalled inspecting the aircraft at Aero India 2025 and expressed satisfaction that the long-awaited inaugural flight had been completed within a year.

Before its take-off from HAL here, the minister joined the pilot in the cockpit to gain firsthand insight into the helicopter's advanced systems and features. He also termed the handing over of the type certificate by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the indigenous Shakti engine as a "defining moment" for the civil aviation sector.

Focus on Civil Use and Safety Improvements

Naidu said Dhruv NG is a light, multi-purpose helicopter designed for a wide range of operations, including offshore services, medical evacuation, tourism and VIP travel. He noted that the helicopter is capable of operating at higher altitudes and features a modern glass cockpit.

Highlighting safety, the minister said feedback from past incidents and international regulators had been taken into account during development. "All earlier experiences and observations, including inputs from global aviation regulators, have been studied carefully and solutions have been provided," he added.

Exuding confidence about the aircraft's civil certification, he said, "We are proud of this aircraft and confident about the DGCA certification process because safety-related feedback has been addressed." He also pointed out that features such as an emergency exit window had been added specifically for civil operations. A detailed report has been submitted to the ministry and is currently under review by the DGCA.

Design and Market Potential

HAL chairman and managing director (CMD) DK Sunil said the Dhruv NG has been designed with civil operators in mind, focusing on safety, ease of operation and lower maintenance downtime. "The glass cockpit and automatic flight control system reduce pilot workload and improve situational awareness," he added.

Sunil said the helicopter has a large cabin that can carry up to 14 passengers and can be configured for medical evacuation with stretchers and equipment. It is suitable for search and rescue missions and government requirements, including VVIP and VIP transports, he added.

He said nearly 65% of the helicopter's material is indigenous, with both software and hardware controlled within the country. "This ensures operational control and supports India's self-reliance goals," Sunil said, adding that lifecycle and operating costs would be competitive with global helicopters.

The Next Generation Flight

The Dhruv NG is the new generation of the advanced light helicopter in the 5.5-ton weight class. It is a twin-engine, multi-role helicopter available in skid and wheeled versions. The platform has been certified for military use by the Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification (CEMILAC) and for civil operations by the DGCA, positioning it for wider deployment across civil, defence, and government sectors.

The maximum take-off weight of the next-generation civil helicopter is stated to be 5,500 kg, with a maximum speed of around 285 km/h, range of around 630 km (with a 20-minute reserve), endurance of around three hours and 40 minutes, service ceiling of around 6,000 metres (high-altitude capable), and internal payload of around 1,000 kg, HAL said.

The Dhruv NG features a highly configurable cabin (7.33 cubic metres) adaptable for various civilian roles. As for its Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (Air Ambulance) role, the helicopter is equipped with a layout for four stretchers along with a doctor and attendant. Its specialised roles include offshore operations, law enforcement, and disaster relief (SAR).

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