Indian Air Force Chief Emphasizes Self-Reliance in Defense Capabilities

New Delhi, May 24: Eleven test pilots and six flight test engineers graduated from the Air Force Test Pilot School (AFTPS) in Bengaluru on May 23, completing a rigorous 48-week multidisciplinary training course. This graduating class included 17 officers, comprising 14 from the Indian Air Force, one from the Indian Army, and two from the Indian Navy. The graduates will now join the aviation wing of one of the Indian Air Force’s key units, the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment.

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, a distinguished alumnus of the 17th Flight Test Course, attended the ceremony as the chief guest. He presented certificates to all graduating officers and awarded trophies to those who excelled. This year, the prestigious ‘Suranjan Das Trophy’ for the best overall student test pilot was awarded to Squadron Leader K.K. Singh, V.M., while the ‘Air Force Chief Trophy’ for the best student test pilot in flight evaluation went to Squadron Leader Aditya Jamdagni. The ‘Maharaja Hanumant Singh Sword’ for the best overall student flight test engineer was awarded to Wing Commander Abhinav Kumar. Additionally, Wing Commander Pranav Sharma received the ‘Dunlop Trophy’ for the best student flight test engineer in flight evaluation, and Squadron Leader Paras Sharma was honored with the ‘Kapil Bhargav Trophy’ for the best student in ground subjects.

During his address, the Air Chief urged the graduating officers to maintain dedication and hard work, reminding them of their vital role in building and modernizing the Indian Armed Forces. He emphasized that self-reliance in developing indigenous defense capabilities is a strategic necessity. The Air Chief highlighted the significant responsibility that the testing team bears in promoting the indigenization campaign and strengthening the aerospace ecosystem.

He stressed the need to optimize the time cycle from design to delivery while maintaining the highest standards of equipment security and quality. Additionally, he underscored the importance of professional efficiency to ensure that aircraft and systems meet operational requirements, urging officers to uphold the values of integrity, accuracy, and excellence.

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