Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing to deliver four Dhruv Next Generation helicopters to civil operator Pawan Hans, while the final two Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1 trainers from an earlier order are also set to go to the Indian Air Force, according to a Hindustan Times report.
The report said the remaining six twin-engine Dhruv NG helicopters in the current batch are expected to be delivered during the current financial year. HAL is seeking to expand its civil aviation business and has set a target for non-military operations to contribute 25% of turnover over the next decade, compared with about 5% currently.
HAL estimates that India could require around 400 helicopters in the Dhruv NG category in the coming years. The report identified the Border Security Force, the Karnataka and Odisha state governments, and potential buyers in South-East Asia among parties interested in the aircraft. Earlier Dhruv variants are already operated by India’s armed services and the Coast Guard.
The Dhruv NG is described in the report as having a civil-certified glass cockpit and a modern avionics suite. Its safety equipment includes crashworthy seats and self-sealing fuel tanks. HAL also plans to pursue demand connected with helicopter tourism in northern India.
The Dhruv NG, Hindustan-228 light transport aircraft and SJ-100 regional aircraft form part of HAL’s planned civil portfolio. In January, HAL signed an agreement with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation to pursue licensed production of the twin-engine SJ-100 in India within three years.
HAL is also completing its initial LCA Mk-1 commitments. The first procurement covered 40 aircraft: an Initial Operational Clearance contract for 20 aircraft signed in 2006 and a Final Operational Clearance contract for another 20 signed in 2010. Those orders comprised 32 single-seat aircraft and eight trainers.
The Air Force later placed two orders covering 180 LCA Mk-1A aircraft with a combined value of ₹1.1 lakh crore. The first contract, for 83 aircraft, was signed in February 2021. A second contract for 97 aircraft followed in September 2025.
Sources
Hindustan Times: HAL set to deliver four Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans
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Story synopsis gathered from: Hindustan Times – India News — source
