Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naiduinaugurated the DHRUV-NG, the next-generation civil helicopter, at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru on Tuesday. The event also saw the flagging off of the helicopter’s inaugural flight, marking a significant milestone in India’s indigenous aviation capabilities. HAL Chairman & Managing Director Dr DK Sunil was present at the occasion. 

The DHRUV-NG is a 5.5-tonne, light, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter engineered to meet the diverse and demanding requirements of the Indian terrain. HAL explained that it is specifically upgraded to meet the rigorous demands of the global civil aviation market. The helicopter has been designed with enhanced safety, performance, and passenger comfort, representing an important achievement in India’s indigenous rotary-wing capability. 

Equipped with twin Shakti 1H1C engines, the DHRUV-NG delivers higher power ratings and allows for internal maintenance within India, reducing dependence on foreign support. HAL said that the helicopter features a civil-certified Glass Cockpit compliant with AS4 requirements, along with a modern avionics suite to provide superior situational awareness to pilots. 

The helicopter is fitted with advanced vibration-control systems to ensure a smooth ride, making it ideal for VIP transport and medical evacuation missions. It has a maximum take-off weight of 5,500 kg and can reach a maximum speed of 285 km/h. The DHRUV-NG is capable of carrying up to 14 passengers, making it suitable for multiple civil aviation roles. 

HAL described the DHRUV Civil NG as a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to imported light twin-engine helicopters. They provide a "One-Stop Solution" for the helicopter’s manufacturing, maintenance, and upgrades. Operational support is also offered through integrated logistics models, including Power-By-Hour (PBH) and Performance-Based Logistics (PBL), which ensure high fleet serviceability. 

The DHRUV-NG was earlier showcased by HAL at the 2025 Aero India show, and its first flight demonstrates the progress India has made in indigenous helicopter technology. With its combination of advanced avionics, safety systems, and multi-role capabilities, the helicopter is well-suited for the challenging conditions of India while also being competitive for global civil aviation markets. 

The inauguration emphasises the government’s support for self-reliance in aviation technology and highlights HAL’s role in developing world-class helicopters for civil use. The DHRUV-NG’s capabilities allow it to be deployed in a variety of applications, such as tourism, emergency services, disaster response, offshore operations, and VIP transport. 

By successfully launching the DHRUV-NG, India takes a significant step forward in producing indigenously designed, high-performance civil helicopters. The helicopter is expected to strengthen India’s presence in both national and international markets for civil aviation. 

The event in Bengaluru was marked as a proud moment for HAL and India’s aviation sector, showcasing the progress of indigenous technology and the potential to reduce reliance on imported helicopters. With this development, the DHRUV-NG stands out as a versatile, modern, and safe option for India’s civil aviation fleet.