Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is set to deliver four Dhruv NG helicopters to state-run helicopter service provider Pawan Hans as the aircraft manufacturer steps up efforts to expand its presence in the civil aviation sector. Pawan Hans had placed an order for 10 twin-engine Dhruv NG multi-role helicopters in January. The remaining six helicopters are expected to be delivered during the current financial year, according to people familiar with the development.

The deliveries form part of HAL’s broader plan to increase the contribution of its non-military business. The company currently derives around 5% of its turnover from civil and other non-defence activities and is targeting a 25% contribution from non-military business over the next decade. The Dhruv NG is expected to play a key role in this strategy as HAL seeks to expand its customer base beyond the armed forces and other government security agencies.

HAL estimates that India could require around 400 helicopters in the Dhruv NG category in the coming years. The helicopter is equipped with a civil-certified glass cockpit and modern avionics designed to improve situational awareness. It also features crashworthy seats and self-sealing fuel tanks aimed at improving safety. Potential customers identified for the helicopter include the Border Security Force, several state governments including Karnataka and Odisha, as well as customers in some Southeast Asian countries.

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HAL is also looking at emerging opportunities such as helicopter tourism, particularly in northern parts of India, as it seeks to increase commercial sales of the Dhruv NG. Earlier versions of the Dhruv helicopter are already operated by the Indian armed forces and the Coast Guard. The company is now seeking to build on that experience by positioning the civil-certified Dhruv NG for a wider range of civilian and government applications.

At the same time, the final two Light Combat Aircraft Mk-1 trainers from HAL’s earlier contracts with the Indian Air Force are also expected to be delivered. The IAF had ordered 40 initial LCA Mk-1 aircraft in Initial Operational Clearance and Final Operational Clearance configurations. The first contract for 20 aircraft was signed in 2006, with the second contract for another 20 aircraft signed in 2010. The original orders included 32 single-seat fighters and eight trainer aircraft, with the programme experiencing significant delays against its initial delivery schedules.

The IAF has since moved ahead with the more advanced LCA Mk-1A, placing two separate orders for a total of 180 aircraft worth a combined ₹1.1 lakh crore. The first order for 83 fighters was signed in February 2021, followed by a contract for another 97 aircraft in September 2025. Beyond helicopters and fighter aircraft, HAL is also pursuing opportunities in civil aviation through its agreement with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation to explore licensed production of the SJ-100 regional commercial aircraft in India. Along with the Hindustan-228 light transport aircraft, the SJ-100 and Dhruv NG are expected to form key parts of HAL’s wider civil aviation expansion strategy.

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