India’s homegrown multi-role helicopter Dhruv NG completed its maiden flight in Bengaluru. Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu called it a symbol of the country’s capability, confidence, and push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India)
A big moment for India’s aerospace sector came on Tuesday as the next-generation, multi-role helicopter Dhruv NG, made entirely by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), completed its maiden flight. The event, held at HAL’s Bengaluru facility, was flagged off by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu.
#WATCH | Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu inaugurates DHRUV-NG, the next-generation civil helicopter, at HAL, Bengaluru. HAL Chairman & Managing Director Dr DK Sunil also present. pic.twitter.com/0ChNQZt12j
— ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2025
Designed to meet the needs of civil aviation, the Dhruv NG is being positioned as a homegrown alternative to imported light twin-engine helicopters.
It features a world-class civil-certified glass cockpit and advanced avionics for better situational awareness, alongside twin Shakti 1H1C engines that provide strong performance and easier in-country maintenance, as per PTI.
A symbol of India’s capability
After the flight, Naidu said the successful lift-off marked a “very important milestone in Indian aviation history.” He praised the HAL team, from designers and engineers to technicians, for the achievement, adding that the helicopter represented “India’s capability, confidence and commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).”
Naidu also reflected on how HAL, which traditionally focused on defence, is now balancing “defence and civil aviation” as it broadens its footprint. Before takeoff, he even climbed into the cockpit with the pilot to see the advanced systems up close.
Hon’ble Civil Aviation Minister Sh. Ram Mohan Naidu, today, flagged off a defining lift-off for India’s civil aviation ecosystem with the inaugural test flight of HAL’s Advanced Light Civil Helicopter ‘Dhruv NG’.
A landmark Atmanirbhar Bharat milestone, Dhruv NG powered by the… pic.twitter.com/M0qNX33kuf
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) December 30, 2025
Built for many roles
The Dhruv NG has been engineered to tackle India’s diverse terrain and civil aviation demands. Officials say it offers strong ride quality and safety features, including crashworthy seats and self-sealing fuel tanks, and can serve a range of roles, from VIP transport to medical evacuation and disaster relief.
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
With a top speed of around 285 km/h, a range of about 630 km, and the ability to carry up to 14 passengers, it’s not just a technological showcase but also a practical machine for India’s growing aviation market.
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