Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the first flight of the Dhruv NG helicopter, powered by the indigenous Shakti engine, at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Helicopter Division in Bengaluru. Naidu expressed pride in witnessing the successful flight of the Dhruv NG, emphasizing its significance in Indian aviation history. He highlighted the helicopter’s potential to showcase Indian engineering globally and envisioned it as a symbol of reliability.
Naidu shared his vision for the civil aviation sector, aiming for India to become a global hub for aviation manufacturing. He emphasized the shift towards indigenous production under the leadership of the Prime Minister, promoting the idea of ‘Made in India’ as a mark of quality. The Dhruv NG, equipped with advanced technology and a powerful engine, is set to serve various domestic operators effectively.
Congratulating HAL for its achievements, Naidu praised the organization for its contribution to India’s aviation sector development. He described the collaboration between defense and civil aviation as a significant milestone, marking a new era in the country’s aviation landscape. Naidu highlighted the alignment of HAL’s efforts with the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat, emphasizing self-reliance and indigenous capabilities.
Highlighting the Dhruv NG as a symbol of India’s progress and self-reliance, Naidu mentioned ongoing negotiations for the supply of helicopters to Pawan Hans and expressed satisfaction with the emerging indigenous solutions. He noted the interest from various state governments and agencies in acquiring the Dhruv NG for diverse operations, showcasing its versatility and potential across different sectors. Naidu expressed confidence in the helicopter’s future success and certification for operations in Indian skies.
