HAL Conducts Successful Maiden Test Flight of ALH Dhruv-NG, the Civilian Variant of Dhruv

The maiden test flight of the indigenous ALH Dhruv-NG (Next Generation) multi-role helicopter was successfully conducted in Bengaluru today, December 30, 2025. The flight marks a significant milestone in India's civil aviation push for indigenous rotary-wing aircraft.

Details of the Maiden Flight

• Location: HAL Helicopter Division in Bengaluru, India.
• Date: De
• Purpose: The event formally marks the Dhruv-NG's entry into operations with a focus on expanding its presence in the civilian market.
• Flagged off by: Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.

Focus on Civil Aviation​

Unlike the original Dhruv helicopter, which primarily served the Indian armed forces, the Dhruv-NG is specifically tailored for various civil roles:

• Medical services (air ambulance/HEMS)
• Disaster relief and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations
• Offshore operations (e.g., servicing oil rigs)
• Passenger transport and tourism

The helicopter features enhanced safety systems, a civil-certified glass cockpit, crashworthy seats, and self-sealing fuel tanks to ensure high safety and reliability standards for civilian use.

About Dhruv-NG:​

The Dhruv-NG is a multi-role, multi-mission, 5.5-tonne class utility helicopter designed for civilian operations, including offshore transport (e.g., for ONGC), air ambulance services, and disaster response. While military versions of the ALH have been in service since 2002, the Dhruv-NG represents HAL's push into the civil aviation market with a version specifically certified for civilian use.

Key Features​

• Engines: Powered by two indigenous Shakti engines, which provide improved performance, especially in challenging environments.
• Avionics: Features a civil-certified glass cockpit that enhances safety and ease of operation.
• Certification: Type-certified for civil operations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India and has received a restricted type certificate from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
• Capacity: Configured to seat a minimum of 11 passengers plus two pilots for operations like crew changes.
• Compliance: Fitted with AS4 (Applicability Statement 4)-compliant systems to meet stringent offshore operational requirements.

The Dhruv-NG is a significant step in India's goal of self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing. It has recently secured a major contract with Pawan Hans Limited to provide helicopters for ONGC's offshore operations, marking its debut in this specific role. The inaugural flight of the Dhruv-NG today formally launches it into the civil market for service.