What Happened
Indian Manufacturer Targets Civil Market With New Twin-Engine Helicopter
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully completed the first flight of the Dhruv New Generation (NG) multi-role helicopter, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion into the civil helicopter market. The Dhruv NG is designed to meet the operational demands of India’s challenging topography and address certification and performance requirements for the global civil aviation market. The helicopter is intended for various roles, including passenger transport, VIP operations, and emergency services. According to HAL, the Dhruv NG has a maximum takeoff weight of over 12,000 pounds and a range of roughly 340 nautical miles. The first flight took place on December 30, 2025, at HAL’s helicopter division in Bengaluru, and was attended by Indian Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu. This development was first reported by AeroTime.