Indigenously built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the next generation Dhruv-NG helicopter made its inaugural flight on Tuesday (Dec 30). Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu flags off the chopper in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is the civil variant of the indigenous helicopter showcased by HAL at the 2025 Aero India show.
Speaking after the event, the Aviation Minister said the moment is an important and historic one for both the defence and civil aviation sectors in the country.
“The primary focus under the visionary leadership of the PM is on how the HAL manufacturing ecosystem can facilitate civil aviation. The foundation steps we are taking today are through the Dhruv-NG, a light helicopter that can be configured for multiple purposes…” he said.
#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu flags off the inaugural flight of the Advanced Light Helicopter, Dhruv-NG, a civil variant of the indigenous helicopter showcased by HAL at the 2025 Aero India show. pic.twitter.com/AJBh0XCyV7
— ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2025 The helicopter, he added, can be used as offshore operations, medical ambulances, tourism, VIP operations, or regular travel to remote areas. The minister informed that as of now, India has 300 helicopters in the country.
“But the demand is for 1000 to 1500. We can’t just rely on foreign buyers. We have a vision for Atmanirbhar Bharat. DGCA has been extending a lot of support to HAL, changing their approach from defence to civil aviation, which has created this wonderful glass cockpit machine which can fly at high altitudes…” the minister said.
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About Dhruv NG Helicopter
The new generation Dhruv NG helicopterhas a sophisticated 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine to master the diverse and demanding requirements of the Indian terrain. Officials said it has been upgraded to meet the rigorous demands of the global civil aviation market.
Officials said the helicopter’s twin “Shakti 1H1C” engines provide enhanced power ratings and the advantage of internal maintenance capabilities within the country. In terms of safety and reliability, Dhruv NG incorporates crashworthy seats, self-sealing fuel tanks, and a proven twin-engine configuration for high redundancy.
As for the ride quality, the officials said that the helicopter has advanced vibration control systems to ensure a smooth ride, tailored for VIP and medical transport.
The features include a maximum take-off weight of the next generation civil helicopter to 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.
The Dhruv NG features a highly configurable cabin (7.33 cubic metres) adaptable for various civilian roles. For VIP/VVIP transport, it has luxury furnishings for four to six passengers, with a maximum capacity of 14 passengers.
For usage as an 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).
According to HAL, the Dhruv Civil NG is stated as a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to imported light twin-engine helicopters.
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‘Symbol of India’s Aatmanirbhar capacity’
Addressing a gathering after witnessing the inaugural flight, Naidu said the event marked a “very important milestone in Indian aviation history”. He congratulated the entire HAL workforce, from designers and engineers to technicians, for the achievement.
He said that 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 moment reflected India’s growing confidence in indigenous aerospace manufacturing.
The minister stressed 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)”. |
