HAL is approaching state governments to promote the Dhruv NG helicopter for medical evacuation, heli-tourism, offshore operations and VIP transport as it targets more civilian revenue.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is approaching state governments to pitch its Dhruv NG helicopter for civilian applications as the aerospace company seeks to increase the share of non-military business in its overall turnover.
HAL has reached out to state governments across India to explore potential sales of its Dhruv NG helicopter.
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HAL chairman and managing director Ravi K said most states had shown interest in the helicopter, which the company is positioning for several civilian roles, including VIP transport, offshore operations, heli-tourism and medical evacuation.
HAL currently derives around 5% of its turnover from non-military business. The company aims to raise that share to 25% over the next decade.
HAL’s internal estimates indicate that India could require around 400 helicopters in the Dhruv NG category in the coming years.
Four Dhruv NG helicopters to be handed over to Pawan Hans
HAL is scheduled to hand over four Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans on Friday. The helicopter service provider had ordered 10 Dhruv NG helicopters in January.
The remaining six helicopters are expected to be delivered by December, according to Ravi K.
The deliveries are taking place alongside the handover of two LCA Mk-1 trainer aircraft and the first batch of HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force.
The handovers are scheduled to take place in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu.
Dhruv NG builds on ALH programme
The Dhruv NG is based on HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) programme.
Earlier versions of the ALH Dhruv are operated by the Indian armed forces and the Coast Guard. HAL says earlier technical and safety concerns have been addressed.
The company has also conducted high-altitude testing to assess vibration levels and said the results were within the required ranges.
The Dhruv NG features a civil-certified glass cockpit and modern avionics designed to improve situational awareness. It also incorporates crashworthy seats and self-sealing fuel tanks.
HAL seeks bigger civilian business
HAL’s push into civil aviation forms part of its wider plan to reduce its dependence on military business.
The company currently gets about 5% of its turnover from non-military operations and is targeting 25% over the next decade.
The Dhruv NG is being positioned for applications that include passenger transport, emergency medical services, offshore operations and tourism.
The move also comes as India’s helicopter market is expected to expand, with HAL estimating demand for around 400 helicopters in the Dhruv NG category.
LCA trainers and HTT-40 also being delivered
Alongside the Dhruv NG helicopters, HAL is delivering two LCA Mk-1 trainers to the IAF.
The IAF had ordered 40 LCA Mk-1 aircraft in IOC and FOC configurations. The initial order comprised 20 aircraft under the IOC contract and another 20 under the FOC contract.
The final two FOC trainers feature improvements including enhanced radar performance, upgraded autopilot handling, improved fuel systems and avionics software, as well as software-defined radio for secure communications.
HAL is also handing over the first batch of HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the IAF.
The air force ordered 70 HTT-40 aircraft for ₹6,838 crore to support pilot training requirements.
Why Dhruv NG matters for HAL’s civilian push
HAL’s Dhruv NG strategy represents an attempt to expand the company’s presence beyond defence procurement. Instead of limiting the helicopter to military applications, HAL is seeking customers among state governments and civilian operators.
The potential applications are broad, ranging from emergency medical evacuation and offshore operations to tourism and official transport. Pawan Hans’ order for 10 helicopters provides an early civilian deployment opportunity.
The company’s stated target of increasing non-military revenue from 5% to 25% over the next decade also shows the scale of its planned diversification.
For the Dhruv NG, wider civilian adoption will depend on factors including certification, operating economics, maintenance support and demand from government and commercial operators.
Published: 18 Sept 2026, 10:03 am IST
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