India Begins Work on E-HANSA: Country’s First Indigenous Electric Trainer Aircraft
New Delhi, May 27 — In a major push towards green aviation and self-reliant technology, India has started developing its first indigenous electric trainer aircraft, named E-HANSA. The announcement was made by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh during a high-level review meeting with top science officials in New Delhi.
The E-HANSA aircraft is a two-seater electric trainer designed to be cost-effective, eco-friendly, and fully Made in India. It is being developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru, a premier institution under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
A Cheaper, Cleaner Alternative to Imported Aircraft
According to the minister, the E-HANSA will cost around ₹2 crore, much lower than the cost of importing similar trainer aircraft. This makes it a strong candidate for replacing expensive foreign-made training planes used by flight schools across India.
Dr. Singh called it a “matter of national pride” that such a high-tech aircraft is being developed within the country. He said this is a key step towards India’s goal of green aviation, which promotes clean energy usage in the aviation sector.
Part of the HANSA-3 (NG) Programme
The E-HANSA is a part of India’s larger HANSA-3 Next Generation (NG) trainer aircraft programme. The aim is to train pilots using locally developed aircraft and reduce dependence on foreign technology.
This project also supports India’s long-term plans to become a global player in green transportation and sustainable technology.
Focus on Science, Innovation, and Private Sector Involvement
The minister’s meeting also reviewed the performance of key science departments, ongoing projects, and ways to boost innovation through public-private partnerships (PPP).
Dr. Singh encouraged the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) to follow the success stories of BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) and IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) in transferring technologies to the private sector.
He also stressed the need for standardised technology transfer policies, ease of doing business, and promoting Indian innovations globally under the theme of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The World is One Family).
ISRO’s Contributions Recognised
During the meeting, Dr. Singh praised the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its SPADEX mission, which successfully tested spacecraft docking and undocking—a critical skill for India's upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight.
He also applauded ISRO’s support in Operation Sindoor, India's recent strategic operation, saying, “Every Indian is proud of ISRO.”
Currently, ISRO is working with 40 Union Ministries and 28 State Governments on various space-based solutions. Several new missions are also in the pipeline, showcasing India’s growing strength in space technology.
India’s Role in International Space Missions
Highlighting India’s global contribution, Dr. Singh shared that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will soon travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom Space Mission. During the mission, he will conduct seven microgravity experiments, further enhancing India’s reputation in space science and research.
The development of the E-HANSA electric trainer aircraft marks a significant leap in India’s efforts to build clean, indigenous, and affordable aviation solutions. It aligns with the nation’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and green innovation, while also opening up new opportunities for the domestic aerospace industry.
As India continues to advance in science, space, and clean technology, projects like E-HANSA offer a glimpse into the country’s promising future in aviation and research.