HAL’s Dhruv-NG takes first flight in Bengaluru, boosts India’s civil aviation push

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s upgraded Dhruv–New Generation helicopter completes its maiden flight in Bengaluru, marking a key step toward civil use and global markets.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Tuesday successfully carried out the maiden flight of its Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv–New Generation (Dhruv-NG) in Bengaluru, marking an important milestone in India’s civil aviation manufacturing journey and HAL’s efforts to reposition the Dhruv platform for civil and export markets.

The Dhruv-NG is a 5.5-tonne, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter designed and built entirely by HAL. It is an upgraded version of the existing Dhruv platform, with major improvements aimed at enhancing safety, performance, ride quality and passenger comfort. At the same time, it retains its proven hot-and-high operational capability, making it suitable for India’s diverse and challenging operating conditions.

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Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu described the maiden flight as a significant achievement for India’s civil aviation ecosystem. He underlined the growing coordination between aircraft manufacturers and regulators, which has helped reduce certification timelines and accelerate the development of indigenous aviation platforms.

HAL’s Dhruv New Generation (NG) successfully completed its inaugural flight, marking HAL’s formal entry into the civil aviation helicopter sector today in
Bengaluru. The flight was flagged off by Hon’ble Civil Aviation Minister Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu. pic.twitter.com/3sVMzZeVba

— HAL (@HALHQBLR) December 30, 2025

A key highlight of the Dhruv-NG is its powerplant. The helicopter is equipped with twin indigenous Shakti 1H1C engines, which are already certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). According to HAL, these engines offer higher power ratings and the major advantage of in-country maintenance and support, strengthening self-reliance while also reducing long-term operating and lifecycle costs for operators.

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DGCA has also confirmed that it has issued the type certificate for India’s first civil turbo shaft engine, the Shakti 1H1C. The engine has been developed by the Aero Engine Research and Development Centre (AERDC) of HAL in Bengaluru. It delivers a maximum continuous shaft power of 568 kW, making it well-suited for demanding civil helicopter operations.

With the successful maiden flight, HAL has taken a decisive step toward expanding the Dhruv platform’s presence beyond military roles, positioning the Dhruv-NG as a competitive option for civil operators in India and international markets.