Relevance: GS-III (Defence Production, Civil Aviation, Indigenisation) | Source: Government of India, HAL

What is the News?

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has entered the civil aviation helicopter market with the successful maiden flight of the Dhruv New Generation helicopter from Bengaluru, marking a shift beyond its traditional defence focus.

About Dhruv New Generation Helicopter

  • Twin-engine, 5.5-tonne class civil helicopter
  • Designed and manufactured indigenously
  • Certified for civil use by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation
  • Powered by the Shakti civil engine, produced in India
  • Intended uses:
    • Passenger transport
    • Emergency medical services
    • Disaster response
    • Tourism and regional connectivity

Why it Matters

  • Reduces dependence on imported civil helicopters
  • Strengthens India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem
  • Expands HAL’s role into civil aviation, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat
  • Useful for connectivity in hilly, island and remote regions
UPSC Prelims Value Box

Key Concept
Civil aviation indigenisation refers to domestic design, manufacture and certification of aircraft and engines for non-military use.

Institution
Directorate General of Civil Aviation is the statutory authority regulating civil aviation safety and certification in India.

Q. With reference to the Dhruv New Generation helicopter, consider the following statements:

  1. It is designed for civil aviation use.
  2. It uses an indigenously manufactured engine.
  3. It has received certification from India’s civil aviation regulator.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: D

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