Aviation News – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully completed the inaugural flight of its Dhruv New Generation (NG) helicopter in Bengaluru, marking its formal entry into the civil aviation helicopter sector and reinforcing India’s push for Aatmanirbharta in aviation. The milestone matters as it signals domestic capability in designing and delivering modern civil helicopters.
The inaugural flight took place on December 30, 2025, at HAL’s Helicopter Division in Bengaluru.
The Dhruv NG helicopter represents HAL’s next-generation civil rotorcraft, building on the Dhruv platform with refinements aimed at commercial and utility operations. Designed for multi-role civil use, the helicopter is expected to support passenger transport, emergency services, and offshore and utility missions, strengthening India’s indigenous civil aviation ecosystem.
“This successful first flight of the Dhruv NG is a landmark achievement for HAL and for India’s civil aviation ambitions,” said Dr D K Sunil, CMD, HAL, adding that the program reflects the company’s commitment to self-reliance and global competitiveness in civil helicopters.
Looking ahead, the Dhruv NG program is expected to progress through certification and operational readiness, opening opportunities for domestic operators and potential exports. Its entry could reduce reliance on imported helicopters while expanding India’s footprint in the global civil rotorcraft market.
With the successful inaugural flight completed, HAL has taken a decisive step into the civil helicopter domain. The Dhruv NG positions India to meet growing civil aviation needs with homegrown technology, supporting economic growth, connectivity, and strategic autonomy in the years ahead.