India’s Homegrown SARAS MK-2 Aircraft Set for First Flight in December 2027

India’s ambitious push for indigenous aviation is steadily taking shape with the upcoming test flight of the SARAS MK-2 aircraft, now scheduled for December 2027. This 19-seater twin-engine turboprop, developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research–National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), is designed to provide a versatile, low-cost solution for regional air travel and various utility roles.

According to CSIR-NAL Director Abhay Pashilkar, the SARAS MK-2 is in the final stages of design refinement and is expected to be ready for its maiden flight by the end of 2027. The aircraft is an upgraded version of the earlier SARAS prototype, which made headlines as India's first indigenously developed civilian aircraft but was stalled after a tragic crash in 2009. The program was revived in 2016 with fresh funding and renewed interest from both government and defence sectors.

The SARAS MK-2 is engineered to operate effectively from short, semi-prepared airstrips, which makes it ideal for India's remote and underdeveloped regions. With a cruising speed of 500 km/h and a maximum range of 2,450 km (when carrying seven passengers), the aircraft can play a key role in connecting small towns and cities, especially under the UDAN scheme aimed at enhancing regional air connectivity.

A key backer of the program is the Indian Air Force, which has already shown intent to procure 15 units for logistical and administrative duties. The aircraft’s modular layout and ease of maintenance also make it a strong candidate for use in air ambulance services, charter operations, disaster relief missions, and even border surveillance.

Technologically, SARAS MK-2 includes significant improvements over its predecessor. It comes equipped with a high-wing configuration for better stability and field performance, twin turboprop engines, and cutting-edge avionics systems supplied by Indian companies like Genesis and Paras Defence. Several critical systems, including the brake management and environmental control systems, have been developed in-house by NAL engineers.

To meet certification and production timelines, CSIR-NAL plans to develop two prototypes, which will undergo rigorous testing. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will contribute to manufacturing specific components, while other metallic parts will be sourced from private vendors, supporting India’s growing aerospace supply chain ecosystem.

One of the challenges that delayed the aircraft’s timeline—originally aimed for 2024–25—was the difficulty in sourcing certified test pilots and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals. Material procurement delays and ongoing design optimisations also played a role in pushing the schedule further.

Once certified, SARAS MK-2 is expected to make a significant impact on India's civil and strategic aviation landscape. It represents a step forward not just in self-reliance but in providing cost-effective and adaptable aircraft suited for India's unique geographical and infrastructural needs.

If successfully inducted and produced at scale, SARAS MK-2 could help reduce India's reliance on imported aircraft in the regional sector and offer export potential to friendly countries with similar aviation requirements.