HAL Unveils Dhruv NG Helicopter with Enhanced Safety, Redundancy and Maintainability

Hyderabad: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has unveiled the Dhruv New Generation (NG) helicopter at Wings India 2026, positioning it as a safer, more reliable and operationally refined evolution of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), particularly suited for VIP and sensitive missions.

The unveiling comes amid heightened scrutiny of helicopter safety following the recent Baramati helicopter tragedy. HAL officials emphasised that the Dhruv NG reflects lessons drawn from extensive operational feedback and years of service experience across military and civil operators.

Currently on static display at Begumpet Airport, the Dhruv NG showcases a range of safety-driven upgrades. Speaking to India Today during the display, HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil said, “Safety has been a key focus area. Dhruv NG incorporates design refinements, better system redundancy and improved maintainability based on real operational experience.”

The helicopter features enhanced cockpit ergonomics, modernised avionics, and upgraded communication and navigation systems, all aimed at reducing pilot workload during demanding phases of flight such as take-off, landing, and low-level operations.

According to HAL, these improvements are especially critical for VIP missions, where reliability, predictability, and situational awareness are non-negotiable.

Highlighting the operational advantages from a pilot’s perspective, Wing Commander SP John, Chief Test Pilot, said, “The handling qualities are more predictable and the situational awareness is significantly improved. These are crucial factors during VIP missions, where pilots operate under tight timelines and have zero tolerance for risk.”

HAL has also outlined clear production and delivery plans for the new variant. “We are targeting production of around 10 Dhruv NG helicopters over the next year, and our first buyer is Pawan Hans Private Limited,” DK Sunil said.

He added that deliveries to Indian operators could begin within a few months, following the completion of configuration clearances. At present, more than 330 Dhruv helicopters are in service with India’s Armed Forces and civil agencies, providing a strong operational foundation for the NG variant.

On the export front, HAL indicated growing international interest. “We are in advanced discussions with a South East Asian country for the Dhruv NG,” Sunil said, adding that “there is clear interest in a modern, multi-role helicopter that is proven, cost-effective, and backed by long-term support.”

As investigations into the recent crash continue, HAL reiterated that aviation carries inherent risks but underscored its commitment to continuous upgrades, rigorous testing, and feedback-driven design improvements.

The Dhruv NG, HAL said, represents a renewed focus on safety assurance and operational confidence, particularly for missions where margins for error are minimal.