December 30, 2025, Bengaluru: HAL’s Dhruv New Generation (NG) helicopter successfully completed its inaugural flight today, marking HAL’s firm entry into the civil aviation helicopter sector and a significant milestone in India’s journey towards ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in civil aviation. Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, flagged off the inaugural flight in the presence of Dr D K Sunil, CMD, HAL, Maneesh Kumar, JDG, DGCA, Sanjeev Razdan, CMD, Pawan Hans Ltd and senior HAL officials at Helicopter Division, Bengaluru.
During the event, HAL also received the Certification of ‘Indigenous manufacturing of Shakti Civil Engine’ from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This is the first time that an aero engine has been certified by DGCA for indigenous production, representing a major leap forward in India’s self-reliance in critical technologies. This landmark achievement has been made possible with the participation of Safran Engines and the close coordination of the DGCA. Dhruv NG is progressing well towards full civil certification in the next three to four months.
Terming it as a flight of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Ram Mohan Naidu said, “This flight marks an important milestone in Indian aviation. I can see the Sankalp of a Viksit Bharat taking wings. HAL has successfully conducted the inaugural flight within a year of showcasing the demo. Dhruv NG has emerged as a platform for several operators. The ‘Make in India’ is now a seal of global quality.”
Dr D K Sunil, CMD, HAL, said, “Dhruv ‘New Gen’ helicopter is the cornerstone of HAL’s civil expansion. The Dhruv Mk 1 Civil platform has already clocked over 24,000 hours and has been specifically upgraded to meet the rigorous demands of the global civil aviation market, marking a milestone in India’s indigenous rotary-wing capability. The Dhruv NG offers enhanced safety, high-performance and cost-effectiveness, making it a strong alternative to imported helicopters. We are working closely with the DGCA to ensure globally aligned certification standards.”
