LONDON—The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Dhruv helicopter has become the first Indian-designed and developed rotorcraft to secure certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The twin-engine Dhruv received a CS-29 Large Rotorcraft restricted type certificate on June 29. Under that document, the fuel load is limited to 50% of the maximum quantity, the aircraft cannot be used for passenger or cargo transport, and it is restricted to visual-flight-rules operations.

However, company officials say the certification “establishes that HAL is capable of designing helicopter platforms meeting stringent European certification requirements.”

Indian media reports say HAL began exploring EASA certification around 2016 after a series of Dhruv accidents while in service with Ecuador reportedly left operators losing confidence in the platform.

The 5.5-metric-ton Dhruv was developed to meet Indian armed services requirement for a multi-role utility helicopter for the country’s air force, army and navy. The civil version was certified by Indian authorities but few are in the commercial market.

Meanwhile, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, has signed a separate memorandum of understanding (MOU)  with the EASA for cooperation in UAS and what it calls Innovative Air Mobility.

The MOU is expected to ensure increased information-sharing on technological developments and research and lead to collaboration through conferences, workshops and training.