India Charts New Skies with E-HANSA: A Leap Toward Sustainable Aviation

India has taken a groundbreaking step in the evolution of indigenous aviation with the announcement of the development of Electric Hansa (E-Hansa)—the nation’s first two-seater electric trainer aircraft. The project, led by CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru, was unveiled by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, during a high-level review meeting held at the Science Centre.

Dr. Singh, also the Vice President of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), emphasized the significance of E-Hansa in aligning India’s aerospace ambitions with its green aviation goals. He noted that the aircraft will be a low-cost alternative to imported trainers, with an expected price of around ₹2 crore—nearly half the cost of comparable international models.

The E-Hansa is a key component of the broader HANSA-3 (Next Generation) aircraft program, aimed at developing affordable, indigenous pilot training platforms for India's rapidly growing aviation sector. With aviation traffic and demand for pilots on the rise, E-Hansa could provide a strategic solution to flight training needs while also advancing clean energy initiatives.

A Symbol of India's Green Commitment

The E-Hansa is more than a technological innovation—it represents India's vision for sustainable mobility. By replacing traditional aviation fuel with clean electric power, it drastically reduces operational emissions and supports India’s long-term commitment to net-zero emissions and clean energy transformation.

The aircraft is expected to find widespread use in flying schools, training academies, and defense institutions, helping reduce operational costs and environmental impact simultaneously. It is also seen as a potential export product, reinforcing India’s position in the global electric aviation market.

Call for PPPs and Technology Commercialization

The meeting chaired by Dr. Jitendra Singh focused not only on scientific innovations but also on institutional reforms and commercialization. He called for stronger public-private partnerships (PPP) and highlighted the need for private players to act not just as collaborators but as investment stakeholders.

Dr. Singh urged the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) to adopt the successful models of DBT-BIRAC and IN-SPACe to enhance technology transfer and engage the private sector more effectively. Proposing a hub-and-spoke PPP model, he emphasized AI-powered tech/IP exchange platforms and regional National Technology Transfer Offices (NTTOs) to decentralize innovation and reach untapped geographies.

He reiterated the importance of standardized tech transfer protocols, simplified regulatory processes, and nurturing Indian research and development under the principle of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"—the world as one family.

India’s Expanding Space and Science Ecosystem

In addition to the aviation breakthrough, Dr. Singh commended ISRO for its successful execution of the SPADEX mission, which demonstrated critical docking and undocking capabilities—a vital element in the preparations for India’s human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan.

He noted ISRO's growing role in national security, particularly praising its contribution to Operation Sindoor. ISRO is currently collaborating with 40 Union Ministries and 28 State Governments, reflecting the growing scope of space applications in governance and development.

Highlighting international collaborations, Dr. Singh shared that Group Captain Subhash Shukla will soon travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of an Axiom Space mission, conducting seven microgravity experiments that will bolster India’s space research capabilities.

Driving a Whole-of-Government Scientific Renaissance

Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Viksit Bharat” vision, Dr. Singh emphasized the adoption of a Whole-of-Science and Whole-of-Government approach to research, governance, and innovation. He directed key departments including DST, DBT, CSIR, ISRO, Earth Sciences, and the Department of Atomic Energy to organize region-specific Chintan Shivirs—strategic think tanks to promote collaborative planning.

These initiatives aim to create an integrated national innovation ecosystem, fostering inter-ministerial synergy and unlocking India's full scientific potential.

Promoting Global Collaboration and Talent Mobility

In a major step toward global integration, Dr. Singh revealed that countries such as Switzerland and Italy have expressed interest in establishing bilateral science collaboration centers, inspired by the Indo-French and Indo-German Science and Technology Centres.

He also announced the launch of a proposed Global Science Talent Bridge, a platform to attract the world’s top researchers and innovators to collaborate with Indian institutions, thereby enhancing India’s biomanufacturing and R&D capacity.

Opening the Scientific Gates to Youth

Dr. Singh praised the success of Prime Minister Modi’s Mann Ki Baat initiative, which encouraged students to visit all 37 CSIR laboratories. The response was overwhelming, and although temporarily halted due to security protocols, the program will soon resume, offering young minds first-hand exposure to cutting-edge research environments.

Key Dignitaries at the Review Meeting

The review meeting was attended by a constellation of senior scientific and administrative leaders, including:

• Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India

• Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, DG and Secretary, CSIR

• Dr. V. Narayanan, Chairman ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space

• Dr. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology

• Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology

• Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences

• Dr. M. Mohapatra, Director General, India Meteorological Department

• Commodore Amit Rastogi (Retd), CMD, National Research Development Corporation

Their collective participation signaled a unified push for India's transformation into a global scientific powerhouse.

A Nation Soaring Toward Innovation and Sustainability

The unveiling of E-Hansa is not just a milestone in electric aviation—it’s a bold declaration of India’s vision for a green, innovative, and self-reliant future. From aerospace to biotechnology, from student engagement to global research collaboration, India is positioning itself as a global leader in science and technology.

The spirit of “AatmaNirbhar Bharat”, fused with sustainability and technological sovereignty, forms the backbone of India’s future. As Dr. Singh aptly concluded, “Private innovation, public vision, and international cooperation are the three wings with which India will soar into the future.”