Dhruv NG Takes Flight: The Made-in-India All-Purpose Civil Helicopter Built to Fly Where Others Can’t | WATCH

India on Tuesday took a significant step in civil aviation as Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu flagged off the inaugural flight of the Dhruv Civil NG, a next-generation helicopter designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Billed as a homegrown alternative to imported light twin-engine helicopters, the Dhruv NG is aimed at expanding India’s presence in the global civil aviation market while meeting the country’s toughest terrain and safety requirements.The minister also joined the pilot in the cockpit before take-off from HAL, getting a first-hand look at the helicopter’s advanced systems and capabilities.

#WATCH | Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu experiences DHRUV-NG, the next-generation civil helicopter,

at HAL, Bengaluru. HAL Chairman & Managing Director Dr DK Sunil is also present. pic.twitter.com/ALYb4hjRqv

— ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2025

What makes Dhruv NG special

According to HAL officials as per a report by PTI, the Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter upgraded specifically to meet global civil aviation certification standards, while retaining the ability to operate in high-altitude, hot and harsh Indian conditions.The helicopter is designed to deliver higher safety, better performance and improved passenger comfort, marking a milestone in India’s indigenous rotary-wing capability.

VIDEO | Karnataka: Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu (@RamMNK) flags off HAL's next-generation helicopter Dhruv NG in Bengaluru.(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/kOtrQIGVp1

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 30, 2025

Key features at a glance

• Engines: Twin Shakti 1H1C engines with enhanced power ratings and full internal maintenance support in India

• Cockpit: Civil-certified glass cockpit compliant with AS4 requirements, paired with a modern avionics suite for superior situational awareness

• Safety: Crashworthy seats, self-sealing fuel tanks and a proven twin-engine configuration for high redundancy

• Ride quality: Advanced vibration control systems for smoother VIP and medical transport operations

#WATCH | Bengaluru, Karnataka | Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu flags off the inaugural flight of the Advanced Light Helicopter, Dhruv-NG, a civil variant of the indigenous helicopter showcased by HAL at the 2025 Aero India show. pic.twitter.com/AJBh0XCyV7

— ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2025

Performance and capabilities

1. Maximum take-off weight: 5,500 kg
2. Maximum speed: Around 285 km/h
3. Range: Around 630 km with a 20-minute reserv
4. Endurance: Approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes
5. Service ceiling: Around 6,000 metres, making it high-altitude capable
6. Internal payload: Around 1,000 kg

Built for multiple civilian roles

The Dhruv NG features a highly configurable 7.33 cubic metre cabin, allowing it to be adapted across a wide range of missions.

• VIP/VVIP transport: Luxury configuration for four to six passengers, with a maximum seating capacity of 14

• Air ambulance: Layout supports four stretchers along with a doctor and attendant
• Specialised roles: Offshore operations, law enforcement and search and rescue missions

HAL has positioned the Dhruv Civil NG as a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to imported helicopters, underscoring India’s push towards self-reliance in civil aviation manufacturing.