India at present hosts 38 Flight Training Organisations (FTOs). With a soaring demand for skilled pilots, it is vital to develop a large and world-class flying training ecosystem in the country, with a commensurate increase in the number of trainer aircrafts. Currently, the small civil aircraft market in India is largely controlled by foreign companies, with domestic players lacking any significant foothold.

To be a fully self-reliant, our country needs indigenous civil aircraft development. This would showcase the nation’s expertise and capabilities, positioning India as a preferred destination for aerospace component manufacturing. By excelling at every stage — from initial design to final production — such efforts would significantly strengthen the country’s aviation industry.

The improved Hansa-3 aircraft, with commercial name Hansa-3 (New Generation), indigenously designed and developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), boasts several advancements that cater to the needs of the flying community. Featuring a cutting-edge glass cockpit, a fuel-efficient Rotax 912 iSc3 Sport engine, and enhanced performance metrics like a range of 620 nautical miles and seven hours of endurance, the aircraft redefines modern trainer aircraft standards. Having obtained key certifications, the Hansa-3(NG) is now eligible for day and night operations, with further steps taken to extend its capabilities for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations.

CSIR-NAL’s Hansa-3(NG) marks a significant milestone in advancing India’s aviation ambitions. It aligns seamlessly with PM Modi’s vision of establishing India as a global aviation hub by the end of this decade and achieving the broader goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.

CSIR-NAL’s recent collaboration with an industry partner is intended to meet both domestic and international demand with increase in the production of Hansa-3(NG) aircrafts. The production facility, set to be established in Karnataka’s capital, Bengaluru, will start manufacturing 36 aircraft annually, scaling up to 72 units to address growing needs. As India’s first all-composite airframe aircraft, the Hansa-3(NG) is a game-changer, enabling flying clubs to train the next generation of pilots while also promoting a culture of hobby flying.

Beyond training, Hansa-3(NG) holds immense potential for roles such as surveillance, aerial photography, environmental monitoring, and more. Its deployment will stimulate the small aircraft manufacturing ecosystem in the country, thereby boosting local infrastructure and enabling small- to medium-scale enterprises to contribute to the aviation supply chain.

The Hansa-3(NG) aircraft symbolises India’s progress toward realising PM Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, with the aviation sector playing a pivotal role in the nation’s self-reliance movement. As the Hansa-3(NG) establishes itself as a cost-effective and versatile trainer aircraft, it also signals India’s readiness to compete globally in aerospace manufacturing. The collaboration between CSIR-NAL and industry partner is not just about meeting present needs, it is also about shaping a future where India emerges as a leader in aviation, innovation and technology.

India’s aviation industry today stands at the cusp of unparalleled growth. With strong initiatives, innovative technologies like the Hansa-3(NG), and the collective effort of stakeholders, the country is poised to elevate itself as a global aviation hub, fulfilling its aspirations for a robust and self-reliant aerospace ecosystem.

Jitendra Singh is minister of State (independent charge) for science and technology. The views expressed are personal