India Launches Work on Indigenous Electric Trainer Aircraft E Hansa
India has commenced development on its first indigenous electric trainer aircraft, named ‘E-Hansa’, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh announced during a high-level review meeting in the capital.
The two-seater aircraft is being developed by Bengaluru-based National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), part of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The initiative is intended to reduce reliance on imported aircraft while aligning with India’s clean energy and climate commitments. Designed as a cost-effective solution under the HANSA-3 Next Generation programme, the E-Hansa aims to serve flight training needs with a projected price tag of ₹2 crore — nearly half the cost of imported electric trainer aircraft. Officials said the model could transform entry-level aviation training in India by offering a domestically produced, sustainable alternative.
Jitendra Singh described the project as a landmark in India’s green aviation journey. “E-Hansa reflects our commitment to technological self-reliance and clean energy innovation in the aviation sector,” he said, stressing the aircraft’s potential to strengthen India’s aerospace capabilities. The aircraft is expected to bolster pilot training infrastructure, especially in smaller flying schools that currently rely on expensive imported trainers. Its electric propulsion system also addresses rising environmental concerns, offering lower emissions and operational costs. The E-Hansa project comes amid a broader government push for commercialisation of indigenous technologies and science-driven reform. The review meeting also covered progress on previous science and technology decisions and identified areas for policy acceleration.
With clean energy increasingly central to India’s innovation agenda, the E-Hansa electric aircraft marks a significant step toward sustainable, homegrown aviation.
