Dhruv NG, HAL’s Next-Gen Civil Helicopter, Completes Maiden Flight in Bengaluru

The Dhruv NG, a 5.5-tonne light twin-engine multi-role helicopter designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has completed its maiden flight in Bengaluru on December 30, 2025. The inaugural sortie was flagged off by Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu at HAL’s facility, with HAL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. D.K. Sunil also in attendance.

HAL describes Dhruv NG as engineered for the diverse and demanding conditions of Indian terrain while meeting stringent requirements of the global civil aviation market. The helicopter focuses on enhanced safety, performance, and passenger comfort, representing a significant milestone in India’s indigenous rotary-wing capability.

The platform incorporates safety features such as crashworthy seats, self-sealing fuel tanks, and a proven twin-engine configuration to provide high redundancy and reliability. Dhruv NG Helicopter is configured for multiple roles including VIP transport, passenger utility, HEMS (air ambulance), law enforcement, disaster relief, and search and rescue operations.

Powered by twin Shakti 1H1C engines, the helicopter delivers higher power ratings with maintenance support available within India, strengthening self-reliance in aero-engine capability. Dhruv NG also features a civil-certified glass cockpit compliant with AS4 requirements, a modern avionics suite for improved situational awareness, and advanced vibration-control systems for a smoother ride.

With a maximum take-off weight of 5,500 kg and a top speed of about 285 km/h, Dhruv NG can carry up to 14 passengers, positioning it as a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to imported light twin-engine helicopters. HAL is offering a “one-stop solution” for manufacturing, maintenance, and upgrades, supported by integrated logistics models such as Power-By-Hour (PBH) and Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) to ensure high fleet serviceability.

On the occasion, HAL also received Certification of Indigenous Manufacturing of the Shakti Civil Engine from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA, marking the first time an aero engine has been certified by DGCA for indigenous production. The minister highlighted that under the UDAN 5.1 scheme, Viability Gap Funding has brought down the cost of a 30-minute helicopter ride from around ₹1.25–1.50 lakh to nearly ₹50,000, reducing per-person fares to roughly ₹2,500–3,000.