Indigenous Hansa-3 (NG) Trainer Aircraft

• 02 Dec 2025

On 29th November 2025, Union Minister for Science and Technology launched the production version of the Hansa-3 (NG) pilot trainer aircraft at CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru, while reviewing progress on the SARAS Mk-2 aircraft and inaugurating key aerospace facilities aimed at boosting India’s civil and defence aviation capabilities.

Key Points

• Hansa-3 NG Production: India’s first all-composite two-seat trainer will address the growing demand for pilots, with a new ₹150-crore facility in Andhra Pradesh capable of manufacturing 100 aircraft annually.
• Reducing Imports: The trainer aircraft is expected to lessen dependence on foreign platforms and support India’s expanding aviation training ecosystem.
• SARAS Mk-2 Development: A 19-seater light transport aircraft is under development for civilian and defence use, featuring a pressurised cabin, digital avionics, and a glass cockpit.
• Iron Bird Facility: The Minister inaugurated this full-system integration platform to enhance flight safety and accelerate SARAS Mk-2 testing.
• High Altitude Platforms (HAPs): A new facility will develop solar-powered unmanned aircraft capable of flying above 20 km, with the first full-scale flight planned for 2027.
• Aviation Weather Systems: The NAviMet system was launched at HAL Airport, adding to over 175 aviation weather systems already deployed by CSIR-NAL.