Half the cost of imported alternatives, India is advancing its aerospace capabilities with the development of the Electric Hansa (E-Hansa), a two-seater electric trainer aircraft. Developed indigenously by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research’s National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), Bengaluru, the E-Hansa aims to offer an affordable and environmentally friendly option for pilot training. This initiative not only reduces dependency on costly imported trainers but also aligns with India’s green aviation objectives by promoting electric propulsion powered by clean energy.
India has embarked on developing the Electric Hansa (E-Hansa), a next-generation two-seater electric trainer aircraft. The project, led by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research’s (CSIR) National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) Bengaluru, aims to create a cost-effective alternative to imported trainer aircraft.
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, revealed that the E-Hansa will cost approximately ₹2 crore, roughly half the price of comparable imported trainers. This represents a significant reduction in pilot training costs and highlights India’s commitment to self-reliance in aerospace technology.
The Electric Hansa is part of the broader HANSA-3 (Next Generation) trainer aircraft programme, designed to support indigenous pilot training infrastructure. The initiative underscores the Indian government's focus on creating affordable and efficient aviation training solutions using domestic expertise.
The development of the E-Hansa aircraft aligns with India’s broader green aviation objectives. By utilising electric propulsion powered by clean energy, the aircraft will help reduce carbon emissions, supporting sustainable aviation practices and lowering reliance on conventional fossil fuels.
During the high-level review meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh stressed the importance of commercialising indigenous technologies to enhance their reach and impact. He called for increased public-private partnerships (PPP), urging private sector players to act not only as knowledge partners but also as investment partners.
He directed the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) to adopt successful models such as DBT-BIRAC and IN-SPACe for technology transfer and private sector engagement. The Minister advocated a hub-and-spoke PPP framework supported by AI-driven technology and intellectual property exchange platforms, alongside regional National Technology Transfer Offices (NTTOs), to promote broader geographic and sectoral involvement.
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The meeting also reviewed the implementation status of prior decisions and performance assessments within India’s science departments. Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted the need for standardised technology transfer protocols and ease of doing business, promoting Indian research and development under the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the world as one family.
The Minister commended ISRO for the successful SPADEX mission, particularly the critical docking and undocking capabilities, which are vital for India’s forthcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. He also praised ISRO’s pivotal role in Operation Sindoor, expressing national pride in its accomplishments.
Further, Dr Jitendra Singh noted ISRO’s collaboration with 40 Union Ministries and 28 State Governments, highlighting a series of upcoming missions. He informed that Group Captain Subhash Shukla’s visit to the International Space Station (ISS) will include seven microgravity experiments, enhancing India’s space science presence.
In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India (‘Viksit Bharat’), Dr Jitendra Singh emphasised a Whole-of-Science and Whole-of-Government strategy. Following the success of the Chintan Shivir organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, region-wise Chintan Shivirs will be conducted nationwide. These will include key scientific departments such as DST, DBT, CSIR, ISRO, Earth Sciences, and Atomic Energy to foster integrated planning and collaboration.
To strengthen India’s biomanufacturing capabilities, the Minister proposed establishing a "Global Science Talent Bridge" to attract leading global researchers and innovators. He highlighted Prime Minister Modi’s announcement to open all 37 CSIR laboratories to students.
Dr Jitendra Singh also recognised global interest in bilateral science collaboration centres, with countries such as Switzerland and Italy exploring partnerships similar to the existing Indo-French and Indo-German Science Centres, reflecting India’s growing role in international scientific cooperation.
This development of the E-Hansa electric trainer aircraft represents a significant milestone in India’s aerospace capabilities, combining cost efficiency, indigenous innovation, and commitment to sustainable aviation.
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Published on: May 28, 2025, 1:07 PM IST
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