Minister Flags Off HAL’s Dhruv NG Helicopter

02 Jan 2026 CW Team

Speaking after the flag-off, Naidu said HAL was transitioning from a defence-centric organisation to one with a balanced presence in both civil and defence aviation. He stressed that India should aspire not only to be a major aviation market but also a global manufacturing hub for the sector.

The Minister said the successful flight and certification of the fully indigenous Shakti engine marked a historic step forward for India’s civil aviation manufacturing capabilities. He also outlined the government’s vision to expand helicopter operations across the country, including an ambitious plan to develop a heliport in every district. Revised norms permitting heliports to be built on as little as two to three acres of land would help scale up this vision, he added.

Naidu highlighted a key manpower challenge, noting that India currently has only one helicopter pilot training institute at Khajuraho. He called for the establishment of additional flying schools and simulators to support the anticipated growth in helicopter operations.

Positioned as a versatile civilian platform, the Dhruv NG is designed for a wide range of applications, including VIP transport, offshore operations, air ambulance services, disaster relief, tourism and utility roles. Designed and manufactured by HAL, the 5.5-tonne helicopter is a light twin-engine, multi-role platform tailored for India’s diverse terrain and upgraded to meet global civil aviation standards.

The Dhruv NG is powered by indigenous Shakti 1H1C engines, which have received type certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. It features a civil-certified glass cockpit, modern avionics, crashworthy seats, self-sealing fuel tanks and advanced vibration control systems to enhance safety and passenger comfort.

With interest reported from operators such as Pawan Hans, state governments and security forces, the helicopter is being viewed as a cost-effective alternative to imported light twin-engine aircraft and a significant step towards advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat in India’s civil aviation sector.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday inaugurated the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter – New Generation (ALH-NG), which successfully completed its maiden flight at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Helicopter Division. Speaking after the flag-off, Naidu said HAL was transitioning from a defence-centric organisation to one with a balanced presence in both civil and defence aviation. He stressed that India should aspire not only to be a major aviation market but also a global manufacturing hub for the sector. The Minister said the successful flight and certification of the fully indigenous Shakti engine marked a historic step forward for India’s civil aviation manufacturing capabilities. He also outlined the government’s vision to expand helicopter operations across the country, including an ambitious plan to develop a heliport in every district. Revised norms permitting heliports to be built on as little as two to three acres of land would help scale up this vision, he added. Naidu highlighted a key manpower challenge, noting that India currently has only one helicopter pilot training institute at Khajuraho. He called for the establishment of additional flying schools and simulators to support the anticipated growth in helicopter operations. Positioned as a versatile civilian platform, the Dhruv NG is designed for a wide range of applications, including VIP transport, offshore operations, air ambulance services, disaster relief, tourism and utility roles. Designed and manufactured by HAL, the 5.5-tonne helicopter is a light twin-engine, multi-role platform tailored for India’s diverse terrain and upgraded to meet global civil aviation standards. The Dhruv NG is powered by indigenous Shakti 1H1C engines, which have received type certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. It features a civil-certified glass cockpit, modern avionics, crashworthy seats, self-sealing fuel tanks and advanced vibration control systems to enhance safety and passenger comfort. With interest reported from operators such as Pawan Hans, state governments and security forces, the helicopter is being viewed as a cost-effective alternative to imported light twin-engine aircraft and a significant step towards advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat in India’s civil aviation sector.

Infrastructure Urban

16 Jan 2026

Rosatom Delivers Nuclear Fuel for Kudankulam Unit 3

Rosatom has recently supplied nuclear fuel for the initial loading of the VVER-1000 reactor core at Unit 3 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, marking a key milestone in the second stage of the Russian-designed nuclear power project in southern India.The fuel was supplied by Rosatom’s Nuclear Fuel Division, managed by TVEL, and manufactured at the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant. The delivery includes the initial reactor load along with reserve fuel assemblies and is part of a long-term contract covering the entire operational life of Units 3 and 4.Building on operational experien..

Infrastructure Transport

16 Jan 2026

CBL International Enables First LNG Bunkering at Xiaomo Port

CBL International recently completed the first-ever LNG bunkering operation at Xiaomo Port, supplying liquefied natural gas to vessels operated by BYD in support of its maritime decarbonisation strategy. The operation was facilitated through a physical supplier in collaboration with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), which supported the port’s inaugural LNG bunkering activity. The milestone represents a strategic expansion of CBL International's sustainable fuel offerings beyond biofuels, while also diversifying revenue streams. As global shipping intensifies efforts to cut em..

Infrastructure Urban

16 Jan 2026

Aimtron, Aurassure Partner for IoT Weather Systems

Aimtron Electronics has recently entered into an OEM manufacturing engagement with Aurassure to produce new-age, IoT-enabled weather and environmental monitoring systems in India. The collaboration supports the growing demand for real-time environmental intelligence across urban, industrial and infrastructure applications. The engagement comes as global focus on climate-risk management and data-driven planning accelerates. The global weather monitoring systems market, valued at around USD 2.1 billion in 2024, is projected to reach nearly USD 4.8 billion by 2034, driven by the rapid adoption o..