Bengaluru: Union Minister of State for Science & Technology (Independent Charge) Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled India’s first indigenous pilot trainer aircraft, Hansa‑3 NG, at CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru. He also reviewed progress on the upcoming 19‑seater SARAS Mk‑2 light transport aircraft, highlighting India’s growing strength in aerospace innovation and self‑reliant manufacturing.
India’s Aviation Transformation
Dr. Singh said India’s aviation sector is undergoing a historic transformation, driven by indigenous technology, industry partnerships, and government support. He noted that these achievements reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making air travel accessible to all citizens, while positioning India as a future global aviation hub.
Hansa‑3 NG: Meeting Pilot Training Needs
The Hansa‑3 NG is India’s first all‑composite two‑seater trainer aircraft, designed to meet rising demand for pilot training at both private and commercial levels. Industry partner Pioneer Clean Amps is setting up a ₹150 crore facility in Andhra Pradesh to manufacture up to 100 aircraft annually. With India expected to need nearly 30,000 pilots in the next two decades, the aircraft will reduce reliance on foreign trainers and create new opportunities in aviation entrepreneurship.
SARAS Mk‑2: Regional Connectivity Boost
CSIR‑NAL is advancing development of the SARAS Mk‑2, a 19‑seater light transport aircraft for civilian and military use. Equipped with a pressurised cabin, digital avionics, autopilot, and weight‑saving design, the aircraft will strengthen regional connectivity and meet India’s short‑haul passenger aircraft requirements. Dr. Singh inaugurated the Iron Bird Facility for SARAS Mk‑2, enabling full‑system integration and ground testing to accelerate safe development.
High Altitude Platforms (HAPs)
The Minister also launched a dedicated facility for solar‑powered High Altitude Platforms (HAPs), capable of flying above 20 km for long‑endurance missions. India joins a select group of nations working on this technology, which offers cost‑effective alternatives to satellites for surveillance, telecom, and environmental monitoring. A full‑scale flight is targeted for 2027.
Aviation Safety & Defence Innovations
- NAviMet System: Inaugurated at HAL Airport, providing real‑time visibility and weather data for safe operations.
- Loitering Munition UAV: Collaboration between CSIR‑NAL and Solar Defence & Aerospace Ltd. to develop a 150‑kg class UAV with advanced navigation and AI‑enabled targeting, powered by NAL’s certified Wankel engine.
Driving Atmanirbhar Bharat in Aerospace
Dr. Singh emphasized that CSIR‑NAL’s collaboration with private industry demonstrates how indigenous products can be globally competitive. He encouraged outreach to investors and entrepreneurs, ensuring India’s scientific progress inspires the next generation.
Vision for the Future
Concluding the event, Dr. Singh said these achievements—from trainer aircraft to regional passenger planes, unmanned defence systems, and high‑altitude platforms—are part of a larger national effort to make India a global aviation hub by 2035 and a fully developed nation by 2047. Institutions like CSIR‑NAL, he added, will play a defining role in shaping India’s aerospace future.
