Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has completed the inaugural flight of its Dhruv New Generation helicopter, formally establishing the programme’s entry into India’s civil helicopter market.

The flight took place at HAL’s Helicopter Division in Bengaluru and was flagged off by Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, alongside senior officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Pawan Hans Ltd and HAL.

As part of the same event, HAL received certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for indigenous manufacturing of the Shakti civil engine. The approval represents the first aero engine certified by the DGCA for indigenous production and reflects progress in India’s efforts to build domestic capability in critical aviation systems. The certification was supported by Safran Engines and achieved in close coordination with the DGCA.

HAL says Dhruv NG is advancing steadily toward full civil certification within the next three to four months.

Shri Ram Mohan Naidu describes the flight as a milestone for Indian aviation, saying, “This flight marks an important milestone in Indian aviation. I can see the Sankalp of a Viksit Bharat taking wings. HAL has successfully conducted the inaugural flight within a year of showcasing the demo.”

Dr D K Sunil, CMD at HAL, says the platform underpins the company’s civil strategy. “Dhruv ‘New Gen’ helicopter is the cornerstone of HAL’s civil expansion. The Dhruv Mk 1 Civil platform has already clocked over 24,000 hours and has been specifically upgraded to meet the rigorous demands of the global civil aviation market,” he adds.

The 5.5-tonne light twin-engine helicopter is powered by twin Shakti 1H1C engines and features a civil-certified glass cockpit compliant with AS4 requirements, alongside a modern avionics suite designed to enhance situational awareness. Safety features include crashworthy seating, self-sealing fuel tanks and a twin-engine configuration offering high redundancy, while advanced vibration control systems are intended to support VIP and medical transport missions.