Made-in-India Dhruv NG Helicopter Takes First Flight in Bengaluru, Marking a Major Defence Boost
The indigenous Dhruv NG helicopter successfully completed its first flight in Bengaluru, marking a major milestone for India’s next-generation defence aviation programme
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on Tuesday marked a major milestone in India’s civil aviation journey as its Dhruv New Generation (NG) helicopter successfully completed its inaugural flight in Bengaluru, signalling HAL’s formal entry into the civil helicopter market and reinforcing the push for ‘Aatmanirbharta‘ in aerospace manufacturing.
The maiden flight was flagged off by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu at HAL’s helicopter division, in the presence of HAL chairman and managing director Dr DK Sunil, Joint Director General of Civil Aviation Maneesh Kumar, Pawan Hans Ltd CMD Sanjeev Razdan and senior officials. The event also witnessed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) handing over the certification for indigenous manufacturing of the Shakti civil engine, a first-of-its-kind approval for an aero engine produced domestically.
The certification of the Shakti engine marks a significant leap in India’s self-reliance in critical aviation technologies. Developed with the participation of Safran Engines and under close coordination with the DGCA, it represents the first time an aero engine has been cleared for indigenous civil production. The HAL said the Dhruv NG was progressing steadily and was expected to achieve full civil certification within the next three to four months.
Calling the flight a “defining moment” for Indian aviation, Naidu said it reflected the resolve of a Viksit Bharat taking shape through indigenous capability. He noted that HAL had completed the inaugural flight within a year of showcasing the Dhruv NG demonstrator, underscoring growing confidence in domestic aerospace design and execution. “Make in India is now a seal of global quality,” the minister said.
Naidu also observed that HAL was evolving from a defence-dominated organisation into a more balanced enterprise with civil aviation emerging as an equally strong pillar. He described the Dhruv NG not merely as a machine but as a symbol of India’s confidence, capability and commitment to self-reliance.
Dr Sunil said the Dhruv NG helicopter was the cornerstone of HAL’s civil expansion. He pointed out that the Dhruv Mk-1 civil platform has already clocked over 24,000 flying hours and has been upgraded to meet the stringent requirements of the global civil aviation market. The Dhruv NG, he said, offers enhanced safety, high performance and cost effectiveness, positioning it as a strong alternative to imported helicopters.
Highlighting the sector’s growth potential, Naidu said India was now the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market and was expected to add over 1,000 helicopters over the next 10 to 15 years, driven largely by the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. Strengthening indigenous manufacturing, he added, would be central to meeting this demand and ensuring sustainable growth.
India’s indigenous aviation capabilities reached a significant milestone as the Dhruv NG (Next Generation) helicopter successfully completed its first flight in Bengaluru, marking a crucial step forward in the country’s defence and aerospace ambitions. The maiden flight signals steady progress in the development of next-generation rotorcraft designed to strengthen India’s military and civil aviation ecosystem.
The test flight was conducted in Bengaluru, the hub of India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing sector, and is being seen as a major achievement under the government’s push for self-reliance in defence production. The Dhruv NG helicopter is an upgraded and modernised variant of the widely deployed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, which is already in service with the Indian Armed Forces and several international operators
The successful first flight of the Dhruv NG helicopter validates years of research, engineering, and design improvements aimed at enhancing performance, safety, and operational capability. The Next Generation variant incorporates several technological upgrades over its predecessor, focusing on improved avionics, enhanced reliability, and better mission adaptability.
According to defence sources, the flight was conducted as part of a carefully planned test programme that will include multiple evaluation phases. These will assess the helicopter’s handling qualities, systems integration, and overall performance under different operating conditions before it moves closer to induction.
The Dhruv NG project aligns closely with India’s broader ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, which seeks to reduce dependence on foreign defence imports and build robust domestic manufacturing capabilities. Indigenous helicopters play a critical role in this strategy, given India’s diverse operational requirements ranging from high-altitude deployment to maritime surveillance and disaster relief.
The original Dhruv helicopter has already proven its versatility across multiple roles, including transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and armed missions. The Next Generation variant is expected to build on this legacy while addressing feedback received from years of operational experience.
Defence analysts believe the Dhruv NG could significantly enhance fleet availability and reduce lifecycle costs, making it an attractive option for both domestic and export markets.
Bengaluru’s prominence in the Indian aerospace sector once again came into focus with the Dhruv NG’s first flight. The city hosts major defence public sector undertakings, private manufacturers, and research institutions, making it a natural base for advanced aviation programmes.
Industry experts say the successful flight further reinforces Bengaluru’s status as the backbone of India’s aerospace innovation, where indigenous platforms move from design boards to the skies.
Following the maiden flight, the Dhruv NG helicopter will undergo a series of rigorous flight tests and system evaluations. These trials are essential to certify the platform for operational use and ensure it meets stringent safety and performance standards.
If the test programme progresses as planned, the helicopter could eventually be inducted into various branches of the Indian Armed Forces and paramilitary units. There is also growing interest in positioning the Dhruv NG as a competitive offering in the global helicopter market, particularly among countries seeking reliable and cost-effective multi-role platforms
The first flight of the Dhruv NG helicopter represents more than just a technical achievement. It reflects India’s growing confidence in designing, developing, and testing complex aerospace platforms domestically. As global defence dynamics evolve, such indigenous capabilities are increasingly seen as strategic assets.
For India’s aviation and defence sector, the successful take-off in Bengaluru is a clear signal that next-generation indigenous platforms are steadily becoming a reality — one flight at a time.
