Bengaluru, December 30, 2025: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu today flagged off the inaugural flight of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) next-generation civil helicopter, Dhruv NG, at HAL’s facility in Bengaluru.
The Dhruv NG, a 5.5-tonne light twin-engine helicopter, represents a significant milestone in India’s indigenous aviation capabilities. Designed to meet global civil aviation standards, the helicopter is equipped with advanced Shakti 1H1C engines, offering enhanced performance, safety, and passenger comfort.
Speaking at the event, Minister Naidu highlighted the importance of expanding India’s presence in the civil aviation market and praised HAL’s efforts in developing a versatile platform suitable for air ambulance services, disaster response, and passenger transport.
The inaugural flight marks HAL’s strategic entry into the civil helicopter segment, diversifying beyond defense applications and strengthening India’s self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing.
With Dhruv NG, HAL aims to position India as a competitive player in the global civil aviation sector, offering cost-effective and reliable solutions for diverse operational needs.
