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New Delhi, December 18, 2024 — Pawan Hans Limited has secured a 10-year contract for ₹2,141 crore to deliver four Dhruv NG helicopters to the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). The deal, awarded through competitive worldwide competition, is an important moment in India’s domestic aviation capabilities.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) created the Dhruv NG helicopters, which will support ONGC’s offshore activities by transporting staff to and from duty stations on oil and gas rigs.
This is the first time the Dhruv NG model will be utilized in offshore logistics, which has traditionally been dominated by foreign-made helicopters like Agusta-Leonardo, Airbus, and Bell.
A New Era for Indian Offshore Aviation
The Dhruv NG is a civilian version of HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk III, which is widely employed by Indian defense forces. The Dhruv NG, with updated Shakti engines and a civil-certified glass cockpit, delivers improved safety, efficiency, and performance even in tough circumstances.
While these helicopters have been utilized in civilian operations since 2003, their deployment to offshore missions represents a significant advancement. Dhruv NG’s entry into this market demonstrates India’s rising ability to develop, manufacture, and operate cutting-edge indigenous technology in crucial areas.
Proven Track Record
The Dhruv helicopter series has logged over 375,000 flight hours across more than 335 units in service. The ALH Mk III variant is extensively used in high-demand operations by defense forces, demonstrating reliability in harsh environments. The civilian Dhruv NG is expected to replicate this success in offshore operations.
A Boost for “Make in India”
The contract not only reinforces Pawan Hans’ status as India’s leading helicopter service provider, but it also advances the “Make in India” initiative by emphasizing HAL’s exclusive technology. According to industry sources, this agreement opens up significant opportunities for Indian MSMEs and vendors involved in the manufacturing and maintenance of the Dhruv NG platform.
Operational Plans and Fleet Expansion
The new helicopters are scheduled to go into service in 2025, largely to meet ONGC’s crew change requirements at offshore oil and gas activities. Pawan Hans, a department of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, currently maintains a fleet of 46 helicopters for a variety of purposes, including oil and gas exploration, law enforcement, paramilitary, and utility services.
The arrival of Dhruv NG helicopters is a step forward for Pawan Hans, which intends to replace 17 older helicopters and update its fleet to meet changing industry demands.
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