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Key Points

IAF Chief AP Singh attended the valedictory ceremony for Flight Test Course graduates in Bengaluru, recognizing their excellence. He stressed the critical role of test pilots in advancing India’s defense aviation capabilities. Top honors like the Suranjan Das Trophy were awarded to standout officers. The event reinforced the IAF’s push for self-reliance through projects like AMCA and LCA MK-II.

Key Points: IAF Chief AP Singh Honors Flight Test Course Graduates in Bengaluru

  • IAF chief AP Singh awards top graduates at ASTE Bengaluru
  • Highlights importance of test flying for defense self-reliance
  • Honors include Suranjan Das Trophy and Chief of Air Staff Trophy
  • Focus on AMCA and LCA MK-II indigenization efforts
2 min read

IAF chief attends valedictory ceremony of flight test course graduates

IAF Chief AP Singh awards top officers at Flight Test Course valedictory ceremony, emphasizing self-reliance and excellence in aviation.

"The Flight Test Course is known for its rigorous training... a cornerstone towards building the nation’s flight testing capability. – Ministry of Defence"

Bengaluru, May 23

Chief of the 47th Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Friday was the chief guest at the ceremonial Valedictory function of Flight Test Course of the Indian Air Force Test Pilot School, which concluded function, "Suranjan Das Dinner", at Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Bengaluru on Friday.

IAF chief awarded the graduating officers with certificates, along with trophies to the meritorious officers, recognizing their exceptional performance during this demanding and specialized course, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence.

"The Flight Test Course is known for its rigorous training for a duration of 48 weeks and is a cornerstone towards building the nation's flight testing capability for cutting-edge aerial platforms and systems," the statement read.

In his address, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh highlighted the vital role of test flying as a specialist domain, requiring highest standards of professional competence, integrity and dedication to service. Emphasizing the Indian Air Force's commitment to self-reliance, he underscored the indigenisation efforts through development projects such as Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and LCA MK-II. He also called upon the graduating officers to uphold the core values of Precision and Excellence, which are essential in shaping a Sashakt, Saksham and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The prestigious "Suranjan Das Trophy", for the best all-round student test pilot, was awarded to Squadron Leader S Bhardwaj, while the "Chief of the Air Staff Trophy", for the best student test pilot in flight evaluation, was awarded to Squadron Leader Ajay Tripathi. The "Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword", for best all round student flight test engineer, was awarded to Squadron Leader Subhrajyoti Paul The "Dunlop Trophy", for best student test engineer in flight evaluation, was awarded to Wing Commander Ashwini Singh The "Kapil Bhargava Trophy", for the best student in ground subjects, was awarded to Major Kaustubh Kunte.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Proud moment for our nation! 👏 The IAF's focus on self-reliance through AMCA and LCA projects is commendable. These test pilots are the backbone of our future air defense capabilities. Bengaluru truly is India's aerospace hub!
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Priya M.
Heartwarming to see women officers like Wing Commander Ashwini Singh excelling in such technical fields. The 48-week course sounds grueling - respect to all graduates! More power to our armed forces. 🇮🇳
A
Arjun S.
While we celebrate these achievements, I hope the government allocates more funds to defense R&D. China is advancing rapidly in aerospace tech - we need to match their pace with better budget allocation and faster project execution.
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Neha P.
The trophy names carry so much history! Suranjan Das was a legend. Good to see traditions being maintained while pushing for modernisation. These officers will be testing our 5th-gen fighters soon - exciting times ahead!
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Vikram J.
As someone from Bengaluru, I wish ASTE would organize more public awareness programs about their work. Citizens would love to understand how these test pilots contribute to national security beyond just flying planes.

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