India unveils indigenous Hansa-3 NG trainer aircraft

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the production version of India’s indigenous Hansa-3 NG pilot trainer aircraft at CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru on Saturday, November 29, 2025. He also reviewed ongoing work on the 19-seater SARAS Mk-2 aircraft and inaugurated multiple aerospace facilities aimed at strengthening India’s civil and defence aviation ecosystem.The Hansa-3 NG, India’s first all-composite two-seat trainer, has been designed to meet rising demand for pilot training as India is projected to need nearly 30,000 pilots over the next two decades. Industry partner Pioneer Clean Amps is setting up a ₹150-crore manufacturing facility in Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, with a capacity to produce up to 100 aircraft annually.Singh said the aircraft will help reduce dependence on imported trainers and support domestic aviation training institutions at a time when India is set to become one of the world’s top three aviation markets. At CSIR-NAL, the Minister also reviewed progress on the SARAS Mk-2, a 19-seater light transport aircraft under development for civilian and military use. The aircraft is expected to support regional air connectivity under the UDAN scheme and reduce India’s reliance on foreign-made small passenger aircraft. Key features include a pressurised cabin, digital avionics, a glass cockpit and weight-reduction optimisations.