diff --git a/.prettierignore b/.prettierignore
index 3cf6d82..2aa44b5 100644
--- a/.prettierignore
+++ b/.prettierignore
@@ -5,3 +5,4 @@ coverage
 .vscode
 .eslintrc.js
 .yarn
+templates/plugin-new
diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md
index 494f632..60ed5e3 100644
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -4,6 +4,17 @@ All notable changes to `@red-hat-developer-hub/cli` are documented in this file.
 
 The format is based on [Keep a Changelog](https://keepachangelog.com/en/1.1.0/), and this project adheres to [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/spec/v2.0.0.html).
 
+## 2.0.7 - 2026-09-14
+
+### Added
+
+- **`plugin new`:** Add `rhdh-cli plugin new <name>` to create standalone, version-pinned frontend, backend, and catalog processor module dynamic plugin projects ([RHIDP-16671](https://redhat.atlassian.net/browse/RHIDP-16671), [RHIDP-16668](https://redhat.atlassian.net/browse/RHIDP-16668), [#202](https://github.com/redhat-developer/rhdh-cli/pull/202)). Generated projects use the selected RHDH release's Backstage manifest and Yarn 4 configuration.
+
+### Fixed
+
+- Update the RHDH 2.1.0, `main`, and `next` compatibility mappings to Backstage 1.54.6.
+- Fall back to the requested RHDH version when remote metadata returns an invalid version value.
+
 ## 2.0.6 - 2026-09-11
 
 ### Added
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 1527ac6..e08c6df 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -57,6 +57,16 @@ Use `--dry-run` to preview dependency changes without writing files and `--skip-
 
 For air-gapped environments, provide a local Backstage release manifest with `--manifest-file` and set `RHDH_OFFLINE=true` to skip the RHDH GitHub metadata lookup.
 
+## Creating a Plugin
+
+Use `plugin new` to create a standalone, version-pinned dynamic plugin project:
+
+```bash
+rhdh-cli plugin new my-plugin --type frontend --rhdh-version 2.1.0
+```
+
+Supported types are `frontend` (a New Frontend System, or NFS, page), `backend` (a minimal new-backend-system plugin), and `catalog-processor-module` (a catalog processor module). Use `--name <plugin-name>` as an alternative to the positional name, and `--output <directory>` to select a destination. The generated project uses the target RHDH release's Backstage manifest for every `@backstage/*` dependency. For air-gapped environments, provide `--manifest-file` and set `RHDH_OFFLINE=true`. Export and package generated plugins with `npx @red-hat-developer-hub/cli`, or through RHDH Dynamic Plugin Factory, rather than adding the CLI as a project dependency.
+
 ## Development
 
 ### Contributing
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 16af1f8..69a27b8 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 {
   "name": "@red-hat-developer-hub/cli",
   "description": "CLI for developing Backstage plugins and apps",
-  "version": "2.0.6",
+  "version": "2.0.7",
   "publishConfig": {
     "access": "public"
   },
diff --git a/src/commands/index.ts b/src/commands/index.ts
index 3fbb95c..f960646 100644
--- a/src/commands/index.ts
+++ b/src/commands/index.ts
@@ -187,6 +187,25 @@ export function registerPluginCommand(program: Command) {
     )
     .option('--json', 'Output upgrade results as JSON')
     .action(lazy(() => import('./upgrade').then(m => m.command)));
+
+  command
+    .command('new [name]')
+    .description('Create a standalone RHDH dynamic plugin project')
+    .option('--name <plugin-name>', 'Plugin name (alternative to the argument)')
+    .option(
+      '--type <frontend|backend|catalog-processor-module>',
+      'Plugin type to create',
+    )
+    .option('--rhdh-version <version>', 'Target RHDH version')
+    .option(
+      '--output <directory>',
+      'Output directory (defaults to the plugin name)',
+    )
+    .option(
+      '--manifest-file <path>',
+      'Path to a local Backstage release manifest JSON file',
+    )
+    .action(lazy(() => import('./new').then(m => m.command)));
 }
 
 export function registerCommands(program: Command) {
diff --git a/src/commands/new/__snapshots__/command.test.ts.snap b/src/commands/new/__snapshots__/command.test.ts.snap
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8b87bdb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/commands/new/__snapshots__/command.test.ts.snap
@@ -0,0 +1,381 @@
+// Jest Snapshot v1, https://goo.gl/fbAQLP
+
+exports[`createPluginProject creates a backend plugin project 1`] = `
+[
+  [
+    ".gitignore",
+    "node_modules
+dist
+dist-types
+coverage
+*.tsbuildinfo
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    ".yarnrc.yml",
+    "nodeLinker: node-modules
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "README.md",
+    "# example-plugin
+
+An RHDH dynamic backend plugin using the New Backend System.
+
+## Development
+
+\`\`\`bash
+yarn install
+yarn build
+yarn test
+\`\`\`
+
+## Exporting
+
+Export or package this plugin without adding the RHDH CLI to this project:
+
+\`\`\`bash
+npx @red-hat-developer-hub/cli plugin export
+npx @red-hat-developer-hub/cli plugin package --export-to ./plugin-registry
+\`\`\`
+
+RHDH Dynamic Plugin Factory is the preferred workflow for repeatable build and packaging automation.
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "backstage.json",
+    "{ "version": "1.54.0" }
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "package.json",
+    "{
+  "name": "@internal/backstage-plugin-example-plugin-backend",
+  "version": "0.1.0",
+  "packageManager": "yarn@4.17.1",
+  "private": true,
+  "license": "Apache-2.0",
+  "main": "src/index.ts",
+  "types": "src/index.ts",
+  "backstage": { "role": "backend-plugin", "pluginId": "example-plugin" },
+  "scripts": {
+    "build": "yarn tsc && backstage-cli package build",
+    "tsc": "tsc --declaration",
+    "test": "backstage-cli package test --passWithNoTests"
+  },
+  "dependencies": { "@backstage/backend-plugin-api": "1.10.0" },
+  "devDependencies": {
+    "@backstage/cli": "0.36.5",
+    "@types/jest": "^29.5.14",
+    "jest": "^29.7.0",
+    "typescript": "^5.4.5"
+  }
+}
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "src/index.ts",
+    "import {
+  coreServices,
+  createBackendPlugin,
+} from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
+
+const plugin = createBackendPlugin({
+  pluginId: 'example-plugin',
+  register(reg) {
+    reg.registerInit({
+      deps: {
+        httpRouter: coreServices.httpRouter,
+        logger: coreServices.logger,
+      },
+      async init({ httpRouter, logger }) {
+        httpRouter.addAuthPolicy({
+          path: '/health',
+          allow: 'unauthenticated',
+        });
+        httpRouter.use((request, response, next) => {
+          if (request.path !== '/health') {
+            next();
+            return;
+          }
+          logger.info('Health check requested');
+          response.status(200).json({ status: 'ok' });
+        });
+      },
+    });
+  },
+});
+
+export default plugin;
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "tsconfig.json",
+    "{
+  "extends": "@backstage/cli/config/tsconfig.json",
+  "include": ["src"],
+  "compilerOptions": {
+    "outDir": "dist-types",
+    "rootDir": "."
+  }
+}
+",
+  ],
+]
+`;
+
+exports[`createPluginProject creates a catalog-processor-module plugin project 1`] = `
+[
+  [
+    ".gitignore",
+    "node_modules
+dist
+dist-types
+coverage
+*.tsbuildinfo
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    ".yarnrc.yml",
+    "nodeLinker: node-modules
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "README.md",
+    "# example-plugin
+
+An RHDH dynamic catalog processor module.
+
+## Development
+
+\`\`\`bash
+yarn install
+yarn build
+yarn test
+\`\`\`
+
+## Exporting
+
+Export or package this plugin without adding the RHDH CLI to this project:
+
+\`\`\`bash
+npx @red-hat-developer-hub/cli plugin export
+npx @red-hat-developer-hub/cli plugin package --export-to ./plugin-registry
+\`\`\`
+
+RHDH Dynamic Plugin Factory is the preferred workflow for repeatable build and packaging automation.
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "backstage.json",
+    "{ "version": "1.54.0" }
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "package.json",
+    "{
+  "name": "@internal/backstage-plugin-example-plugin-catalog-processor-module",
+  "version": "0.1.0",
+  "packageManager": "yarn@4.17.1",
+  "private": true,
+  "license": "Apache-2.0",
+  "main": "src/index.ts",
+  "types": "src/index.ts",
+  "backstage": {
+    "role": "backend-plugin-module",
+    "pluginId": "catalog",
+    "pluginPackage": "@backstage/plugin-catalog-backend"
+  },
+  "scripts": {
+    "build": "yarn tsc && backstage-cli package build",
+    "tsc": "tsc --declaration",
+    "test": "backstage-cli package test --passWithNoTests"
+  },
+  "dependencies": {
+    "@backstage/backend-plugin-api": "1.10.0",
+    "@backstage/catalog-model": "1.10.0",
+    "@backstage/plugin-catalog-node": "2.2.4"
+  },
+  "devDependencies": {
+    "@backstage/cli": "0.36.5",
+    "@types/jest": "^29.5.14",
+    "jest": "^29.7.0",
+    "typescript": "^5.4.5"
+  }
+}
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "src/index.ts",
+    "import { createBackendModule } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
+import {
+  catalogProcessingExtensionPoint,
+  type CatalogProcessor,
+} from '@backstage/plugin-catalog-node';
+
+const processor: CatalogProcessor = {
+  getProcessorName: () => 'example-pluginProcessor',
+};
+
+const catalogBackendModule = createBackendModule({
+  pluginId: 'catalog',
+  moduleId: 'example-plugin',
+  register(reg) {
+    reg.registerInit({
+      deps: { catalog: catalogProcessingExtensionPoint },
+      async init({ catalog }) {
+        catalog.addProcessor(processor);
+      },
+    });
+  },
+});
+
+export default catalogBackendModule;
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "tsconfig.json",
+    "{
+  "extends": "@backstage/cli/config/tsconfig.json",
+  "include": ["src"],
+  "compilerOptions": {
+    "outDir": "dist-types",
+    "rootDir": "."
+  }
+}
+",
+  ],
+]
+`;
+
+exports[`createPluginProject creates a frontend plugin project 1`] = `
+[
+  [
+    ".gitignore",
+    "node_modules
+dist
+dist-types
+coverage
+*.tsbuildinfo
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    ".yarnrc.yml",
+    "nodeLinker: node-modules
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "README.md",
+    "# example-plugin
+
+An RHDH dynamic frontend plugin using the New Frontend System.
+
+## Development
+
+\`\`\`bash
+yarn install
+yarn build
+yarn test
+\`\`\`
+
+## Exporting
+
+Export or package this plugin without adding the RHDH CLI to this project:
+
+\`\`\`bash
+npx @red-hat-developer-hub/cli plugin export
+npx @red-hat-developer-hub/cli plugin package --export-to ./plugin-registry
+\`\`\`
+
+RHDH Dynamic Plugin Factory is the preferred workflow for repeatable build and packaging automation.
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "backstage.json",
+    "{ "version": "1.54.0" }
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "package.json",
+    "{
+  "name": "@internal/backstage-plugin-example-plugin",
+  "version": "0.1.0",
+  "packageManager": "yarn@4.17.1",
+  "private": true,
+  "license": "Apache-2.0",
+  "main": "src/index.ts",
+  "types": "src/index.ts",
+  "backstage": { "role": "frontend-plugin", "pluginId": "example-plugin" },
+  "scripts": {
+    "build": "yarn tsc && backstage-cli package build",
+    "tsc": "tsc --declaration",
+    "test": "backstage-cli package test --passWithNoTests"
+  },
+  "dependencies": {
+    "@backstage/core-plugin-api": "1.12.7",
+    "@backstage/frontend-plugin-api": "0.17.2"
+  },
+  "devDependencies": {
+    "@backstage/cli": "0.36.5",
+    "@types/jest": "^29.5.14",
+    "@types/react": "^18.0.0",
+    "react": "^18.0.0",
+    "react-dom": "^18.0.0",
+    "react-router-dom": "^6.30.2",
+    "jest": "^29.7.0",
+    "typescript": "^5.4.5"
+  },
+  "peerDependencies": {
+    "react": "^18.0.0",
+    "react-dom": "^18.0.0",
+    "react-router-dom": "^6.30.2"
+  }
+}
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "src/index.ts",
+    "import { createRouteRef } from '@backstage/core-plugin-api';
+import { createFrontendPlugin, PageBlueprint } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
+import React from 'react';
+
+const rootRouteRef = createRouteRef({ id: 'example-plugin' });
+const page = PageBlueprint.make({
+  params: {
+    title: 'example-plugin',
+    path: '/example-plugin',
+    routeRef: rootRouteRef,
+    loader: () => import('./PluginPage').then(m => React.createElement(m.PluginPage)),
+  },
+});
+
+export default createFrontendPlugin({
+  pluginId: 'example-plugin',
+  extensions: [page],
+  routes: { root: rootRouteRef },
+});
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "tsconfig.json",
+    "{
+  "extends": "@backstage/cli/config/tsconfig.json",
+  "include": ["src"],
+  "compilerOptions": {
+    "outDir": "dist-types",
+    "rootDir": "."
+  }
+}
+",
+  ],
+  [
+    "src/PluginPage.tsx",
+    "import React from 'react';
+
+export function PluginPage() {
+  return React.createElement('h1', undefined, 'example-plugin');
+}
+",
+  ],
+]
+`;
diff --git a/src/commands/new/command.test.ts b/src/commands/new/command.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..619db2f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/commands/new/command.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,205 @@
+/*
+ * Copyright 2026 The Backstage Authors
+ *
+ * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+ * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+ * You may obtain a copy of the License at
+ *
+ *     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+ *
+ * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+ * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+ * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+ * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+ * limitations under the License.
+ */
+
+import fs from 'fs-extra';
+import os from 'node:os';
+import path from 'node:path';
+
+import { resolveRhdhVersion } from '../../lib/rhdhVersion';
+import { completeInteractiveOptions, createPluginProject } from './command';
+
+jest.mock('../../lib/rhdhVersion', () => ({
+  ...jest.requireActual('../../lib/rhdhVersion'),
+  resolveRhdhVersion: jest.fn(),
+}));
+
+describe('createPluginProject', () => {
+  let tmpDir: string;
+  const mockResolveRhdhVersion = resolveRhdhVersion as jest.MockedFunction<
+    typeof resolveRhdhVersion
+  >;
+
+  beforeEach(async () => {
+    tmpDir = await fs.mkdtemp(path.join(os.tmpdir(), 'plugin-new-test-'));
+    mockResolveRhdhVersion.mockResolvedValue({
+      rhdhVersion: '2.1.0',
+      backstageVersion: '1.54.0',
+      source: 'matrix',
+      packages: new Map([
+        ['@backstage/backend-plugin-api', '1.10.0'],
+        ['@backstage/catalog-model', '1.10.0'],
+        ['@backstage/cli', '0.36.5'],
+        ['@backstage/core-plugin-api', '1.12.7'],
+        ['@backstage/frontend-plugin-api', '0.17.2'],
+        ['@backstage/plugin-catalog-node', '2.2.4'],
+      ]),
+    });
+  });
+
+  afterEach(async () => {
+    await fs.remove(tmpDir);
+    jest.clearAllMocks();
+  });
+
+  it.each([
+    ['frontend', 'src/index.ts', 'PageBlueprint'],
+    ['backend', 'src/index.ts', 'createBackendPlugin'],
+    [
+      'catalog-processor-module',
+      'src/index.ts',
+      'catalogProcessingExtensionPoint',
+    ],
+  ])(
+    'creates a %s plugin project',
+    async (type, entryPoint, expectedSource) => {
+      const output = path.join(tmpDir, type);
+
+      const result = await createPluginProject({
+        name: 'example-plugin',
+        type,
+        output,
+        rhdhVersion: '2.1.0',
+      });
+
+      expect(result).toEqual({
+        outputDir: output,
+        rhdhVersion: '2.1.0',
+        backstageVersion: '1.54.0',
+      });
+      expect(mockResolveRhdhVersion).toHaveBeenCalledWith('2.1.0', {
+        manifestFile: undefined,
+      });
+      expect(
+        await fs.readFile(path.join(output, entryPoint), 'utf8'),
+      ).toContain(expectedSource);
+
+      const packageJson = await fs.readJson(path.join(output, 'package.json'));
+      expect(packageJson.devDependencies['@backstage/cli']).toBe('0.36.5');
+      expect(packageJson.devDependencies).not.toHaveProperty(
+        '@red-hat-developer-hub/cli',
+      );
+      expect(packageJson.packageManager).toBe('yarn@4.17.1');
+      await expect(
+        fs.readFile(path.join(output, '.yarnrc.yml'), 'utf8'),
+      ).resolves.toBe('nodeLinker: node-modules\n');
+      await expect(
+        fs.readFile(path.join(output, 'README.md'), 'utf8'),
+      ).resolves.toContain('npx @red-hat-developer-hub/cli plugin export');
+      await expect(
+        fs.readJson(path.join(output, 'backstage.json')),
+      ).resolves.toEqual({ version: '1.54.0' });
+
+      await expect(
+        Promise.all(
+          [
+            '.gitignore',
+            '.yarnrc.yml',
+            'README.md',
+            'backstage.json',
+            'package.json',
+            'src/index.ts',
+            'tsconfig.json',
+            ...(type === 'frontend' ? ['src/PluginPage.tsx'] : []),
+          ].map(async file => [
+            file,
+            await fs.readFile(path.join(output, file), 'utf8'),
+          ]),
+        ),
+      ).resolves.toMatchSnapshot();
+    },
+  );
+
+  it('rejects an invalid name before resolving a version', async () => {
+    await expect(
+      createPluginProject({
+        name: 'Example',
+        type: 'frontend',
+        output: tmpDir,
+      }),
+    ).rejects.toThrow('Plugin name must start');
+    expect(mockResolveRhdhVersion).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+  });
+
+  it('rejects a non-empty output directory', async () => {
+    await fs.outputFile(path.join(tmpDir, 'existing'), 'content');
+
+    await expect(
+      createPluginProject({
+        name: 'example',
+        type: 'frontend',
+        output: tmpDir,
+      }),
+    ).rejects.toThrow('is not empty');
+    expect(mockResolveRhdhVersion).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+  });
+
+  it('cleans an existing empty output directory after template rendering fails', async () => {
+    const output = path.join(tmpDir, 'existing-empty');
+    await fs.ensureDir(output);
+    mockResolveRhdhVersion.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+      rhdhVersion: '2.1.0',
+      backstageVersion: '1.54.0',
+      source: 'matrix',
+      packages: new Map(),
+    });
+
+    await expect(
+      createPluginProject({
+        name: 'example',
+        type: 'frontend',
+        output,
+      }),
+    ).rejects.toThrow('does not contain');
+
+    await expect(fs.readdir(output)).resolves.toEqual([]);
+  });
+
+  it('removes a newly created output directory after template rendering fails', async () => {
+    const output = path.join(tmpDir, 'new-output');
+    mockResolveRhdhVersion.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+      rhdhVersion: '2.1.0',
+      backstageVersion: '1.54.0',
+      source: 'matrix',
+      packages: new Map(),
+    });
+
+    await expect(
+      createPluginProject({
+        name: 'example',
+        type: 'frontend',
+        output,
+      }),
+    ).rejects.toThrow('does not contain');
+
+    await expect(fs.pathExists(output)).resolves.toBe(false);
+  });
+
+  it('prompts only for missing name and plugin type', async () => {
+    const prompt = jest
+      .fn<Promise<string>, [string]>()
+      .mockResolvedValueOnce('example-plugin')
+      .mockResolvedValueOnce('frontend');
+
+    await expect(
+      completeInteractiveOptions({ rhdhVersion: '2.1.0' }, prompt),
+    ).resolves.toEqual({
+      name: 'example-plugin',
+      type: 'frontend',
+      rhdhVersion: '2.1.0',
+    });
+    expect(prompt).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(2);
+  });
+});
diff --git a/src/commands/new/command.ts b/src/commands/new/command.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1d85b43
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/commands/new/command.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,199 @@
+/*
+ * Copyright 2026 The Backstage Authors
+ *
+ * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+ * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+ * You may obtain a copy of the License at
+ *
+ *     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+ *
+ * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+ * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+ * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+ * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+ * limitations under the License.
+ */
+
+import { OptionValues } from 'commander';
+import fs from 'fs-extra';
+import path from 'node:path';
+import { createInterface } from 'node:readline/promises';
+
+import { paths } from '../../lib/paths';
+import { resolveRhdhVersion } from '../../lib/rhdhVersion';
+import { Task, templatingTask } from '../../lib/tasks';
+
+export const pluginTypes = [
+  'frontend',
+  'backend',
+  'catalog-processor-module',
+] as const;
+export type PluginType = (typeof pluginTypes)[number];
+
+export interface CreatePluginOptions {
+  name?: string;
+  type?: string;
+  output?: string;
+  rhdhVersion?: string;
+  manifestFile?: string;
+}
+
+export interface PluginProjectResult {
+  outputDir: string;
+  rhdhVersion: string;
+  backstageVersion: string;
+}
+
+type Prompt = (question: string) => Promise<string>;
+
+function assertPluginName(name: string): void {
+  if (!/^[a-z][a-z0-9]*(-[a-z0-9]+)*$/.test(name)) {
+    throw new Error(
+      'Plugin name must start with a lowercase letter and contain only lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens.',
+    );
+  }
+}
+
+function assertPluginType(
+  type: string | undefined,
+): asserts type is PluginType {
+  if (!type || !pluginTypes.includes(type as PluginType)) {
+    throw new Error(`Plugin type must be one of: ${pluginTypes.join(', ')}.`);
+  }
+}
+
+/** Prompts for any plugin creation options omitted by the caller. */
+export async function completeInteractiveOptions(
+  options: CreatePluginOptions,
+  prompt: Prompt,
+): Promise<CreatePluginOptions> {
+  const name = options.name || (await prompt('Plugin name: ')).trim();
+  const type =
+    options.type ||
+    (
+      await prompt(
+        'Plugin type (frontend, backend, catalog-processor-module): ',
+      )
+    ).trim();
+  if (!name || !type) {
+    throw new Error('Plugin name and type cannot be empty.');
+  }
+  return { ...options, name, type };
+}
+
+async function promptForMissingOptions(
+  options: CreatePluginOptions,
+): Promise<CreatePluginOptions> {
+  if (options.name && options.type) {
+    return options;
+  }
+  if (!process.stdin.isTTY) {
+    const missing = [
+      !options.name && 'plugin name',
+      !options.type && '--type',
+    ].filter(Boolean);
+    throw new Error(
+      `${missing.join(' and ')} ${missing.length === 1 ? 'is' : 'are'} required when running without an interactive terminal.`,
+    );
+  }
+
+  const readline = createInterface({
+    input: process.stdin,
+    output: process.stdout,
+  });
+  try {
+    return await completeInteractiveOptions(options, question =>
+      readline.question(question),
+    );
+  } finally {
+    readline.close();
+  }
+}
+
+/** Creates a standalone plugin project from a version-pinned template. */
+export async function createPluginProject(
+  options: CreatePluginOptions,
+): Promise<PluginProjectResult> {
+  if (!options.name) {
+    throw new Error(
+      'Plugin name is required. Pass it as an argument or with --name.',
+    );
+  }
+  assertPluginName(options.name);
+  assertPluginType(options.type);
+
+  const outputDir = path.resolve(options.output || options.name);
+  const outputExisted = await fs.pathExists(outputDir);
+  if (outputExisted) {
+    const contents = await fs.readdir(outputDir);
+    if (contents.length > 0) {
+      throw new Error(`Output directory "${outputDir}" is not empty.`);
+    }
+  }
+
+  const resolved = await resolveRhdhVersion(options.rhdhVersion, {
+    manifestFile: options.manifestFile,
+  });
+  const versionProvider = (packageName: string): string => {
+    const version = resolved.packages.get(packageName);
+    if (!version) {
+      throw new Error(
+        `The Backstage ${resolved.backstageVersion} release manifest does not contain ${packageName}.`,
+      );
+    }
+    return version;
+  };
+  const templateDir = paths.resolveOwn(`templates/plugin-new/${options.type}`);
+
+  await fs.ensureDir(outputDir);
+  try {
+    await templatingTask(
+      templateDir,
+      outputDir,
+      {
+        pluginId: options.name,
+        packageName: `@internal/backstage-plugin-${options.name}`,
+        rhdhVersion: resolved.rhdhVersion,
+        backstageVersion: resolved.backstageVersion,
+      },
+      versionProvider,
+      false,
+    );
+  } catch (error) {
+    await (outputExisted ? fs.emptyDir(outputDir) : fs.remove(outputDir)).catch(
+      () => undefined,
+    );
+    throw error;
+  }
+
+  return {
+    outputDir,
+    rhdhVersion: resolved.rhdhVersion,
+    backstageVersion: resolved.backstageVersion,
+  };
+}
+
+/** CLI command entry point for `rhdh-cli plugin new`. */
+export async function command(
+  name: string | undefined,
+  opts: OptionValues,
+): Promise<void> {
+  if (name && opts.name && name !== opts.name) {
+    throw new Error(
+      'Plugin name argument and --name must match when both are provided.',
+    );
+  }
+
+  const options = await promptForMissingOptions({
+    name: name || opts.name,
+    type: opts.type,
+    output: opts.output,
+    rhdhVersion: opts.rhdhVersion,
+    manifestFile: opts.manifestFile,
+  });
+  const result = await createPluginProject(options);
+
+  Task.log(
+    `Created plugin in ${result.outputDir} for RHDH ${result.rhdhVersion} (Backstage ${result.backstageVersion}).\n`,
+  );
+}
diff --git a/src/commands/new/index.ts b/src/commands/new/index.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ebaffcf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/commands/new/index.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+/*
+ * Copyright 2026 The Backstage Authors
+ *
+ * Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+ * you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+ * You may obtain a copy of the License at
+ *
+ *     http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+ *
+ * Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+ * distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+ * WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+ * See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+ * limitations under the License.
+ */
+
+export { command } from './command';
diff --git a/src/lib/rhdhVersion.test.ts b/src/lib/rhdhVersion.test.ts
index de56319..328da75 100644
--- a/src/lib/rhdhVersion.test.ts
+++ b/src/lib/rhdhVersion.test.ts
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@ describe('rhdhVersion', () => {
       expect(findStaticMatrixBackstageVersion('2.0.0')).toBe('1.52.0');
       expect(findStaticMatrixBackstageVersion('1.9.0')).toBe('1.45.3');
       expect(findStaticMatrixBackstageVersion('1.8.0')).toBe('1.42.5');
-      expect(findStaticMatrixBackstageVersion('main')).toBe('1.54.0');
+      expect(findStaticMatrixBackstageVersion('main')).toBe('1.54.6');
     });
 
     it('resolves minor versions without patch to matrix entry', () => {
@@ -224,6 +224,22 @@ describe('rhdhVersion', () => {
 
       await expect(fetchRemoteRhdhMetadata('2.0.0')).resolves.toBeUndefined();
     });
+
+    it('falls back to the requested RHDH version when metadata is invalid', async () => {
+      setupFetchMock({
+        metadata: {
+          card: {
+            'RHDH Version': '2.0.0::warning',
+            'Backstage Version': '1.52.0',
+          },
+        },
+      });
+
+      await expect(fetchRemoteRhdhMetadata('2.0.0')).resolves.toEqual({
+        rhdhVersion: '2.0.0',
+        backstageVersion: '1.52.0',
+      });
+    });
   });
 
   describe('resolveRhdhVersion', () => {
diff --git a/src/lib/rhdhVersion.ts b/src/lib/rhdhVersion.ts
index 35aaa10..fad6b60 100644
--- a/src/lib/rhdhVersion.ts
+++ b/src/lib/rhdhVersion.ts
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ import {
  * Used for offline operations and as a fallback when remote metadata lookup is unavailable.
  */
 export const RHDH_COMPATIBILITY_MATRIX: Record<string, string> = {
-  '2.1.0': '1.54.0',
+  '2.1.0': '1.54.6',
   '2.0.4': '1.52.0',
   '2.0.0': '1.52.0',
   '1.10.0': '1.49.4',
@@ -34,8 +34,8 @@ export const RHDH_COMPATIBILITY_MATRIX: Record<string, string> = {
   '1.8.0': '1.42.5',
   '1.7.0': '1.39.1',
   '1.6.0': '1.36.1',
-  main: '1.54.0',
-  next: '1.54.0',
+  main: '1.54.6',
+  next: '1.54.6',
 };
 
 /**
@@ -112,7 +112,8 @@ export function getRhdhGitRef(version: string): string | undefined {
 }
 
 /**
- * Fetches build-metadata.json from the target RHDH repository branch.
+ * Fetches build-metadata.json from the target RHDH repository branch. Invalid
+ * RHDH version values from remote metadata fall back to the requested version.
  */
 export async function fetchRemoteRhdhMetadata(
   rhdhVersion: string,
@@ -157,7 +158,11 @@ export async function fetchRemoteRhdhMetadata(
         const validBsVersion = semver.clean(bsVersion);
         if (validBsVersion) {
           return {
-            rhdhVersion: resolvedRhdhVersion,
+            rhdhVersion:
+              typeof resolvedRhdhVersion === 'string' &&
+              /^[a-z0-9._-]+$/i.test(resolvedRhdhVersion)
+                ? resolvedRhdhVersion
+                : rhdhVersion,
             backstageVersion: validBsVersion,
           };
         }
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/backend/.gitignore b/templates/plugin-new/backend/.gitignore
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0140d72
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/backend/.gitignore
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+node_modules
+dist
+dist-types
+coverage
+*.tsbuildinfo
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/backend/.yarnrc.yml b/templates/plugin-new/backend/.yarnrc.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3186f3f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/backend/.yarnrc.yml
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+nodeLinker: node-modules
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/backend/README.md.hbs b/templates/plugin-new/backend/README.md.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6935fe6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/backend/README.md.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+# {{pluginId}}
+
+An RHDH dynamic backend plugin using the New Backend System.
+
+## Development
+
+```bash
+yarn install
+yarn build
+yarn test
+```
+
+## Exporting
+
+Export or package this plugin without adding the RHDH CLI to this project:
+
+```bash
+npx @red-hat-developer-hub/cli plugin export
+npx @red-hat-developer-hub/cli plugin package --export-to ./plugin-registry
+```
+
+RHDH Dynamic Plugin Factory is the preferred workflow for repeatable build and packaging automation.
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/backend/backstage.json.hbs b/templates/plugin-new/backend/backstage.json.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..97d49c2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/backend/backstage.json.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{ "version": "{{backstageVersion}}" }
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/backend/package.json.hbs b/templates/plugin-new/backend/package.json.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4f5b591
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/backend/package.json.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+{
+  "name": "{{packageName}}-backend",
+  "version": "0.1.0",
+  "packageManager": "yarn@4.17.1",
+  "private": true,
+  "license": "Apache-2.0",
+  "main": "src/index.ts",
+  "types": "src/index.ts",
+  "backstage": { "role": "backend-plugin", "pluginId": "{{pluginId}}" },
+  "scripts": {
+    "build": "yarn tsc && backstage-cli package build",
+    "tsc": "tsc --declaration",
+    "test": "backstage-cli package test --passWithNoTests"
+  },
+  "dependencies": { "@backstage/backend-plugin-api": "{{versionQuery '@backstage/backend-plugin-api'}}" },
+  "devDependencies": {
+    "@backstage/cli": "{{versionQuery '@backstage/cli'}}",
+    "@types/jest": "^29.5.14",
+    "jest": "^29.7.0",
+    "typescript": "^5.4.5"
+  }
+}
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/backend/src/index.ts.hbs b/templates/plugin-new/backend/src/index.ts.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..9354289
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/backend/src/index.ts.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+import {
+  coreServices,
+  createBackendPlugin,
+} from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
+
+const plugin = createBackendPlugin({
+  pluginId: '{{pluginId}}',
+  register(reg) {
+    reg.registerInit({
+      deps: {
+        httpRouter: coreServices.httpRouter,
+        logger: coreServices.logger,
+      },
+      async init({ httpRouter, logger }) {
+        httpRouter.addAuthPolicy({
+          path: '/health',
+          allow: 'unauthenticated',
+        });
+        httpRouter.use((request, response, next) => {
+          if (request.path !== '/health') {
+            next();
+            return;
+          }
+          logger.info('Health check requested');
+          response.status(200).json({ status: 'ok' });
+        });
+      },
+    });
+  },
+});
+
+export default plugin;
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/backend/tsconfig.json b/templates/plugin-new/backend/tsconfig.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7e1995b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/backend/tsconfig.json
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+{
+  "extends": "@backstage/cli/config/tsconfig.json",
+  "include": ["src"],
+  "compilerOptions": {
+    "outDir": "dist-types",
+    "rootDir": "."
+  }
+}
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/.gitignore b/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/.gitignore
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0140d72
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/.gitignore
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+node_modules
+dist
+dist-types
+coverage
+*.tsbuildinfo
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/.yarnrc.yml b/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/.yarnrc.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3186f3f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/.yarnrc.yml
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+nodeLinker: node-modules
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/README.md.hbs b/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/README.md.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c1eeded
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/README.md.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+# {{pluginId}}
+
+An RHDH dynamic catalog processor module.
+
+## Development
+
+```bash
+yarn install
+yarn build
+yarn test
+```
+
+## Exporting
+
+Export or package this plugin without adding the RHDH CLI to this project:
+
+```bash
+npx @red-hat-developer-hub/cli plugin export
+npx @red-hat-developer-hub/cli plugin package --export-to ./plugin-registry
+```
+
+RHDH Dynamic Plugin Factory is the preferred workflow for repeatable build and packaging automation.
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/backstage.json.hbs b/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/backstage.json.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..97d49c2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/backstage.json.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{ "version": "{{backstageVersion}}" }
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/package.json.hbs b/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/package.json.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e974241
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/package.json.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1,30 @@
+{
+  "name": "{{packageName}}-catalog-processor-module",
+  "version": "0.1.0",
+  "packageManager": "yarn@4.17.1",
+  "private": true,
+  "license": "Apache-2.0",
+  "main": "src/index.ts",
+  "types": "src/index.ts",
+  "backstage": {
+    "role": "backend-plugin-module",
+    "pluginId": "catalog",
+    "pluginPackage": "@backstage/plugin-catalog-backend"
+  },
+  "scripts": {
+    "build": "yarn tsc && backstage-cli package build",
+    "tsc": "tsc --declaration",
+    "test": "backstage-cli package test --passWithNoTests"
+  },
+  "dependencies": {
+    "@backstage/backend-plugin-api": "{{versionQuery '@backstage/backend-plugin-api'}}",
+    "@backstage/catalog-model": "{{versionQuery '@backstage/catalog-model'}}",
+    "@backstage/plugin-catalog-node": "{{versionQuery '@backstage/plugin-catalog-node'}}"
+  },
+  "devDependencies": {
+    "@backstage/cli": "{{versionQuery '@backstage/cli'}}",
+    "@types/jest": "^29.5.14",
+    "jest": "^29.7.0",
+    "typescript": "^5.4.5"
+  }
+}
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/src/index.ts.hbs b/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/src/index.ts.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e316cfb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/src/index.ts.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+import { createBackendModule } from '@backstage/backend-plugin-api';
+import {
+  catalogProcessingExtensionPoint,
+  type CatalogProcessor,
+} from '@backstage/plugin-catalog-node';
+
+const processor: CatalogProcessor = {
+  getProcessorName: () => '{{pluginId}}Processor',
+};
+
+const catalogBackendModule = createBackendModule({
+  pluginId: 'catalog',
+  moduleId: '{{pluginId}}',
+  register(reg) {
+    reg.registerInit({
+      deps: { catalog: catalogProcessingExtensionPoint },
+      async init({ catalog }) {
+        catalog.addProcessor(processor);
+      },
+    });
+  },
+});
+
+export default catalogBackendModule;
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/tsconfig.json b/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/tsconfig.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7e1995b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/catalog-processor-module/tsconfig.json
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+{
+  "extends": "@backstage/cli/config/tsconfig.json",
+  "include": ["src"],
+  "compilerOptions": {
+    "outDir": "dist-types",
+    "rootDir": "."
+  }
+}
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/frontend/.gitignore b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/.gitignore
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0140d72
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/.gitignore
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+node_modules
+dist
+dist-types
+coverage
+*.tsbuildinfo
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/frontend/.yarnrc.yml b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/.yarnrc.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3186f3f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/.yarnrc.yml
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+nodeLinker: node-modules
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/frontend/README.md.hbs b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/README.md.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f87bb2d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/README.md.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+# {{pluginId}}
+
+An RHDH dynamic frontend plugin using the New Frontend System.
+
+## Development
+
+```bash
+yarn install
+yarn build
+yarn test
+```
+
+## Exporting
+
+Export or package this plugin without adding the RHDH CLI to this project:
+
+```bash
+npx @red-hat-developer-hub/cli plugin export
+npx @red-hat-developer-hub/cli plugin package --export-to ./plugin-registry
+```
+
+RHDH Dynamic Plugin Factory is the preferred workflow for repeatable build and packaging automation.
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/frontend/backstage.json.hbs b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/backstage.json.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..97d49c2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/backstage.json.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+{ "version": "{{backstageVersion}}" }
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/frontend/package.json.hbs b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/package.json.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c287720
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/package.json.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+{
+  "name": "{{packageName}}",
+  "version": "0.1.0",
+  "packageManager": "yarn@4.17.1",
+  "private": true,
+  "license": "Apache-2.0",
+  "main": "src/index.ts",
+  "types": "src/index.ts",
+  "backstage": { "role": "frontend-plugin", "pluginId": "{{pluginId}}" },
+  "scripts": {
+    "build": "yarn tsc && backstage-cli package build",
+    "tsc": "tsc --declaration",
+    "test": "backstage-cli package test --passWithNoTests"
+  },
+  "dependencies": {
+    "@backstage/core-plugin-api": "{{versionQuery '@backstage/core-plugin-api'}}",
+    "@backstage/frontend-plugin-api": "{{versionQuery '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api'}}"
+  },
+  "devDependencies": {
+    "@backstage/cli": "{{versionQuery '@backstage/cli'}}",
+    "@types/jest": "^29.5.14",
+    "@types/react": "^18.0.0",
+    "react": "^18.0.0",
+    "react-dom": "^18.0.0",
+    "react-router-dom": "^6.30.2",
+    "jest": "^29.7.0",
+    "typescript": "^5.4.5"
+  },
+  "peerDependencies": {
+    "react": "^18.0.0",
+    "react-dom": "^18.0.0",
+    "react-router-dom": "^6.30.2"
+  }
+}
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/frontend/src/PluginPage.tsx.hbs b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/src/PluginPage.tsx.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ad388ee
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/src/PluginPage.tsx.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+import React from 'react';
+
+export function PluginPage() {
+  return React.createElement('h1', undefined, '{{pluginId}}');
+}
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/frontend/src/index.ts.hbs b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/src/index.ts.hbs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..be474c2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/src/index.ts.hbs
@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+import { createRouteRef } from '@backstage/core-plugin-api';
+import { createFrontendPlugin, PageBlueprint } from '@backstage/frontend-plugin-api';
+import React from 'react';
+
+const rootRouteRef = createRouteRef({ id: '{{pluginId}}' });
+const page = PageBlueprint.make({
+  params: {
+    title: '{{pluginId}}',
+    path: '/{{pluginId}}',
+    routeRef: rootRouteRef,
+    loader: () => import('./PluginPage').then(m => React.createElement(m.PluginPage)),
+  },
+});
+
+export default createFrontendPlugin({
+  pluginId: '{{pluginId}}',
+  extensions: [page],
+  routes: { root: rootRouteRef },
+});
diff --git a/templates/plugin-new/frontend/tsconfig.json b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/tsconfig.json
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7e1995b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/templates/plugin-new/frontend/tsconfig.json
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+{
+  "extends": "@backstage/cli/config/tsconfig.json",
+  "include": ["src"],
+  "compilerOptions": {
+    "outDir": "dist-types",
+    "rootDir": "."
+  }
+}