Jitendra Singh announces milestone as CSIR completes design of indigenous Saras Mk II aircraft

BENGALURU July 08,2026 — India has achieved a major milestone in its aviation sector with the successful completion of the design phase for the 19-seater Saras Mk II light transport aircraft.

The breakthrough was led by the Bengaluru-based CSIR-National Aeronautics Laboratory, marking a significant advancement in the country’s indigenous aerospace engineering capabilities.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh shared the development from the Ministry of Science and Technology, highlighting the success as a major stride forward for domestic manufacturing and research.

The completion of the design phase directly aligns with the vision of self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission. Designed entirely with homegrown technology, the Saras Mk II is expected to significantly accelerate the regional connectivity scheme, UDAN, by providing a reliable commercial aircraft tailored for domestic routes.

This development will play a crucial role in enhancing connectivity to remote and high-altitude regions across the country, making air travel more accessible through Indian-engineered aviation solutions.