HAL eyes 80% indigenisation of Dhruv-NG over the next decade: Dr. D K Sunil

By R Anil Kumar

Bengaluru, December 30, 2025. State owned Maharatna defence CPSE Hindustan Aeronautics eyes 80 percent indigenization from the present 65 percent in Dhruv-NG said Chairman and Managing Director Dr D K Sunil. Addressing Media after the Successful Inaugural flight of ALH Dhruv-NG, in Bengaluru, the HAL Chief said With 65% of its components made in India and a target of 80% indigenization over the next decade, this chopper is as much about national pride as it is about flying.

“This is not just a helicopter; it’s a statement of India’s engineering muscle,” HAL CMD DK Sunil replied to a media query, with that trademark calm confidence. “We have built a reliable, in-house engine that’s civil-certified and ready for multiple missions—from VIP transport and medical evacuation to high-altitude tourism.”

And it’s no paper tiger

The Dhruv-NG can soar above 4,500 meters, proving its mettle where the Himalayas and Northeast throw every challenge imaginable. Indian Army and Air Force pilots have already put it through its paces, and now it’s ready for the skies of civilian India.

The cockpit?

Sleek, glass, and smart. Sunil explains, “We’ve reduced pilot workload, moved key controls from the top to the center console—it’s easier to operate, safer, more intuitive.” That means a doctor on board for medevac or VIP passengers can breathe a little easier.

Initial operations?

Eight helicopters will soon take off to Bombay High, ferrying personnel and materials offshore. Beyond that, HAL is eyeing bigger ambitions—25% of its revenue from civil operations in the next ten years, powered by the Dhruv-NG, its certified engine, and a future 100-seater program.

Certification is moving fast. The engine has already ticked the boxes, and 150 test flights are planned over the next two months for full civil clearance. And yes, indigenization is central to the plan. Sunil points out, “Making 65% of components in India — soon 80% — means jobs, technology, supply chains, and cost advantages all stay in our country. Export potential? Absolutely, but our foundation is domestic strength.”

Exports will first aim at Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa, with Europe and the US coming later. But the Pan-India story is the real kicker: whether it’s medevac in the Northeast, VIP transfers in Mumbai, or tourism in Himachal, the Dhruv-NG is ready to fly anywhere, anytime.

And HAL isn’t leaving pilots to figure things out themselves. Dedicated training facilities are already in place, preparing a skilled workforce to operate these machines safely across India and beyond.

Bottom line?

HAL’s Dhruv-NG is not just another helicopter; it’s India’s civil aviation ambition made visible, a high-flying mix of technology, indigenization, and operational versatility. From 65% domestic content today to 80% in a decade, this is more than a machine — it’s a statement: India can build, operate, and export world-class helicopters, and it’s doing it from home turf.