India’s HAL Dhruv NG Helicopter Flies: Minister Naidu Eyes Global Export Market

Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu flagged off the inaugural flight of the HAL Dhruv NG helicopter in Bengaluru. This event, held at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Helicopter Division, marks a significant milestone for India’s rotary-wing sector. The Dhruv NG is the civil variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk III, a 5.5-tonne multi-role helicopter. Its successful flight is a major step in the nation’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Indigenous Power and Certification

The Dhruv NG is powered by the indigenous Shakti engine, specifically the twin Shakti 1H1C engines. On the day of the flight, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted the 'Certification of Indigenous manufacturing of Shakti Civil Engine'. This is the first time an aero engine has received this certification from the DGCA for indigenous production. The full civil certification for the helicopter itself is expected in the coming months, following approximately 130 test flights.

Minister Naidu called the engine certification a “defining moment” for the country’s civil aviation sector. He emphasized that 'Made in India' is now a seal of global quality, moving the nation from import dependence to indigenous reliability. The Dhruv NG features a civil-certified glass cockpit and advanced avionics, designed to meet global civil aviation standards.

Market Impact and Global Ambition

Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu articulated a clear vision for India civil aviation export. “My aim is not just to see HAL helicopters flying in India; they must fly globally,” he stated. He wants the Dhruv NG to become an ambassador of Indian engineering. The minister aims for India to be a “factory for the world,” not just a market.

Key Domestic Contracts

The platform has already secured a crucial commercial contract. State-owned operator Pawan Hans recently secured a 10-year contract with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). This deal, valued at over ₹2,141 crore (approximately $250 million), is for deploying four Dhruv NG helicopters for offshore operations. This contract was secured through a competitive global bidding process, demonstrating the Dhruv NG's cost-effectiveness and performance against international rivals.

HAL’s push into the civil market aligns with the domestic growth forecast. India’s helicopter fleet is estimated to increase to over 1,000 units in the next 10 to 15 years. This growth is supported by government schemes like UDAN 5.1, which extends Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to helicopter operations. The Dhruv NG is positioned for diverse roles, including:

• Offshore operations
• VIP and VVIP transport
• Air Ambulance (HEMS)
• Disaster Relief and Search & Rescue (SAR)
• High-altitude logistics support

This new chapter for HAL signals a strategic shift, with civil aviation becoming an equal partner to the company’s traditional focus on defense. This development is a key piece of commercial aviation news for the region. The Dhruv NG is seen as a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to imported light twin-engine helicopters. HAL is also offering comprehensive support through integrated logistics models, such as Power-by-the-Hour (PBH), to ensure high fleet serviceability.