Eleven test pilots and six flight test engineers graduated from the 48th Flight Test Course conducted by the Indian Air Force’s Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS) after completing an intensive 48-week training programme.
The graduating batch included 17 officers — 14 from the Indian Air Force, one from the Indian Army, and two from the Indian Navy. The officers will now join the aviation wing of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), one of the IAF’s premier aircraft testing units.
Air Chief Marshal attends ceremony
AP Singh attended the graduation ceremony as the chief guest and presented certificates and awards to the graduating officers.
An alumnus of the 17th Flight Test Course himself, Air Chief Marshal Singh praised the officers for completing one of the country’s most demanding aviation training programmes.
Officers receive top honours
Sqn Ldr KK Singh received the Suranjan Das Trophy for the best all-round student test pilot, while Sqn Ldr Aditya Jamdagni won the Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for excellence in flight evaluation.
Among the flight test engineers, Wg Cdr Abhinav Kumar received the Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword for best all-round performance.
Wg Cdr Pranav Sharma was awarded the Dunlop Trophy for excellence in flight evaluation, while Sqn Ldr Paras Sharma received the Kapil Bhargava Trophy for outstanding performance in ground subjects.
Focus on self-reliance in defence
During the event, Air Chief Marshal Singh highlighted the importance of “Atmanirbharta” in strengthening India’s indigenous defence and aerospace capabilities.
He urged the graduating officers to help reduce aircraft “design to delivery” timelines while maintaining the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and operational readiness.
The Air Chief also emphasised that test crews play a vital role in ensuring aircraft and defence systems meet the operational needs of the armed forces