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Union Minister Inaugurates DHRUV-NG, Boosting Indigenous Civil Aviation Capabilities

Union Minister Inaugurates DHRUV-NG, Boosting Indigenous Civil Aviation Capabilities

Praveen Kumar
December 31, 2025

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday inaugurated the DHRUV-NG , the next-generation civil helicopter, at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru. HAL Chairman & Managing Director Dr DK Sunil was also present on the occasion. The minister also flagged off the inaugural flight of the helicopter, which was showcased at the 2025 Aero India show .

The DHRUV-NG is a 5.5-tonne, twin-engine, multi-role light helicopter engineered to meet the diverse and demanding conditions of Indian terrain , while conforming to global civil aviation standards. It has been designed to ensure enhanced safety, superior performance, and passenger comfort, making it suitable for VIP transport, medical evacuation, and commercial operations.

Powered by twin Shakti 1H1C engines , the helicopter delivers high power ratings and is maintainable entirely within India. The Shakti 1H1C is a twin-shaft turboshaft engine developed indigenously by HAL in collaboration with DRDO’s Engine Development Establishment, reinforcing India’s push for self-reliance in aerospace technology.

The DHRUV-NG features a civil-certified Glass Cockpit , compliant with AS4 standards , coupled with a modern avionics suite that provides enhanced situational awareness for pilots. Advanced vibration-control systems ensure a smooth ride, especially for VIP and medical transport roles.

Key specifications include a maximum take-off weight of 5,500 kg, a top speed of 285 km/h, and a passenger capacity of 14. HAL describes the DHRUV-NG as a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to imported light twin-engine helicopters, supported by comprehensive logistics and operational models, including Power-By-Hour (PBH) and Performance-Based Logistics (PBL) for high fleet serviceability.

With the DHRUV-NG, India aims to strengthen indigenous civil aviation capability , reduce dependence on foreign imports, and provide a reliable option for commercial operators, government agencies, and private users .