Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Pawan Hans to Buy 10 Dhruv NG Helicopters from HAL
Pawan Hans, a company that provides helicopter services, is going to buy 10 new Dhruv NG helicopters from HAL.
These helicopters are made in India and will be used for important work at sea, like helping ONGC.
The first four helicopters will be used for ONGC's needs.
The total cost is about ₹1,000 crore, and the Indian government will help pay for them.
These helicopters are special because they are made in India and have been used by the military for a long time.
This is the first time these helicopters will be used for work at sea.
The deal will be officially announced at a big aviation event in Hyderabad in 2026.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, asked global investors to invest in India's growing aviation industry.
He said India will have more than 400 airports by 2047.
HAL, the company that makes the helicopters, is also trying to grow in the civil aviation sector by making safer helicopters and planes.
They want to make sure that these helicopters are safe for people to use, especially in difficult places like mountains and during bad weather.
Pawan Hans Ltd to procure 10 Dhruv NG helicopters from HAL, with a possible future order for 5 more.
First four helicopters to be deployed for ONGC's offshore operations.
Total acquisition cost estimated at ₹1,000 crore, partly funded by government grants and loans.
Dhruv NG is an indigenously developed civil variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter Mark III used by the Indian defense forces.
Helicopters are powered by indigenous Shakti engines and feature a civil-certified glass cockpit.
- Who
- Pawan Hans Ltd (PHL) and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)
- What
- Procurement of 10 Dhruv NG helicopters
- When
- Formalized during Wings India 2026, January 28, 2026
- Where
- Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad
- Why
- To meet offshore operational requirements, primarily for ONGC, and to strengthen India's civil aviation sector
Government and HAL
Safety Concerns
Civil Aviation Growth
Government and HAL
The government and HAL are pushing for the growth of civil aviation in India, highlighting the Dhruv NG helicopter as a safer alternative for high-risk operations.
Safety Concerns
There are concerns about helicopter crashes in difficult terrain and adverse weather, which have raised questions about the safety of such operations.
- Company
- Pawan Hans Ltd (PHL)
- Helicopter Model
- Dhruv NG
- Manufacturer
- Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)
- Number of Helicopters
- 10
- Estimated Cost
- ₹1,000 crore
- Funding Sources
- Central government grants and sovereign-backed loans
- Deployment
- Offshore operations for ONGC
- Event
- Wings India 2026
- Prime Minister
- Narendra Modi
- HAL Chairman and Managing Director
- Dr D.K. Sunil
Sources
Made in India: Pawan Hans to procure 10 Dhruv NG helicopters from HAL
HAL plans to lease 10 SJ 100 aircraft in next 18 months
HAL Targets Civil Aviation Growth With Dhruv NG And SJ-100
PM asks global investors to tap into India’s expanding aviation market
"India To Have Over 400 Airports By 2047": PM Modi
