Bengaluru, Dec 30 (NationPress) The Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu ceremoniously inaugurated the first flight of the Dhruv NG helicopter, which is powered by the locally manufactured Shakti engine, at the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Helicopter Division.

Speaking at the event, Naidu stated: "This is a momentous and historic event. The most awaited sight today was the Dhruv NG soaring through the skies, a truly gratifying moment. Its successful flight signifies a remarkable achievement in the narrative of Indian aviation."

Naidu expressed his aspirations, stating: "My vision extends beyond witnessing HAL helicopters flying within India; I aspire for them to take to the skies globally. The Dhruv NG possesses the genuine potential to serve as a beacon of Indian engineering. I want the international community to confidently proclaim: if you seek a dependable helicopter, choose the Indian-manufactured Dhruv. That’s the message we should aim to hear from the global sector."

Regarding his outlook on civil aviation, Naidu remarked: "As the youngest Civil Aviation Minister, inquiries about my vision for this domain are frequent. My response is that we aspire not merely to be a market for the world, but a manufacturing hub for the world. For an extended period, we relied on the West for our aerial needs. Under the Prime Minister's guidance, we've transitioned from being import-reliant to emphasizing indigenous reliability."

He further highlighted, "With the Dhruv engine, we are showcasing that 'Made in India' transcends being a mere tagline; it embodies a hallmark of global excellence. Equipped with cutting-edge avionics and a premier engine, the Dhruv NG has established itself as a versatile platform for numerous domestic operators," he added.

Commending HAL, Naidu stated: "HAL has successfully cultivated an indigenous capability and has become the cornerstone of India's aviation evolution. This year has posed challenges for aviation, yet we have also seen significant growth in the civil aviation sector. HAL has proven to be an invaluable partner in overcoming these hurdles."

He noted that the inauguration symbolizes a pivotal moment. "From this day forth, the nation's bargaining strength and other dynamics will transform. The long-awaited collaboration between defense and civil aviation is now in motion, resulting in a robust foundation for future endeavors."

He added: "The launch of the Dhruv NG is a significant step towards realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of inspecting the Dhruv NG at the Aero India show in Bengaluru, where there was considerable enthusiasm among the contributors to its development," he reminisced.

Naidu expressed satisfaction that within a year, the much-anticipated inaugural flight was successfully executed. "The issuance of the flight certificate by the DGCA for the indigenous Shakti engine marks a pivotal moment for the nation’s civil aviation industry," he concluded.

Emphasizing HAL's evolution, he noted: "Today, we can proudly assert that HAL's internal design strategy is transforming, with civil aviation and defense advancing as equal collaborators. I commend every member of the HAL team for propelling Atmanirbhar Bharat beyond defense into civil aviation."

Referring to the Dhruv NG as a significant milestone, Naidu asserted: "This is not merely a helicopter; it embodies India's confidence, capability, and commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat taking flight today."

He revealed that a contract for supplying 10 helicopters to Pawan Hans is in the final stages. "Pawan Hans has been anticipating helicopters for a considerable duration, and I am pleased that a local solution has surfaced."

Naidu also mentioned that various state governments and agencies, including the Border Security Force, have shown interest in acquiring these helicopters. "While the defense sector has traditionally placed significant orders, civil aviation has always posed challenges. Now, with this platform, numerous state governments are prepared to procure these helicopters."

He noted the immense potential of the Dhruv NG in various sectors, including offshore operations, VIP transportation, air ambulance services, disaster relief, high-altitude logistics, tourism, and beyond.

"We are at the inception stage. Today, we have introduced an exceptional product in the Dhruv NG engine. It still requires time to mature. The DGCA will closely monitor operations over the next three weeks. I am optimistic it will achieve certification seamlessly and will soar high and strong across Indian skies."