DH NEWS SERVICE
new delhi, May 24
The graduation ceremony of the 48th Flight Test Course was held at the Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS) in Bengaluru on May 23, marking the successful completion of an intensive 48-week training programme by a new batch of test pilots and flight test engineers. The event was attended by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, who graced the occasion as the chief guest and presented certificates and awards to the graduating officers.
A total of 17 officers graduated from the prestigious course this year, including 11 Test Pilots and six Flight Test Engineers. The graduating batch comprised officers from all three branches of the Indian Armed Forces, including 14 officers from the Indian Air Force, one officer from the Indian Army, and two officers from the Indian Navy. Following their graduation, the officers will join the Aviation Wing of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, one of the premier testing and evaluation units of the Indian Air Force.
The Air Force Test Pilots School is regarded as one of the country’s most prestigious institutions for advanced aviation testing and flight evaluation. The rigorous training curriculum is designed to prepare officers for the highly demanding responsibilities associated with testing aircraft, weapons, avionics, and other aerospace systems under various operational conditions. The course requires a high degree of technical expertise, precision, discipline, and decision-making abilities.
During the ceremony, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh congratulated the graduating officers and praised them for successfully completing one of the most challenging training programmes in military aviation. Being a distinguished alumnus of the 17th Flight Test Course himself, the Chief of the Air Staff shared his experience and encouraged the officers to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and dedication in their future assignments.
Several officers were honoured with prestigious trophies for outstanding performance during the course. Squadron Leader KK Singh received the coveted “Suranjan Das Trophy” for being adjudged the best all-round student Test Pilot. The “Chief of the Air Staff Trophy” for the best student Test Pilot in flight evaluation was awarded to Squadron Leader Aditya Jamdagni.
Among the Flight Test Engineers, Wing Commander Abhinav Kumar was awarded the “Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword” for being the best all-round student. Wing Commander Pranav Sharma received the “Dunlop Trophy” for best student Flight Test Engineer in flight evaluation, while Squadron Leader Paras Sharma was awarded the “Kapil Bhargava Trophy” for securing the highest position in ground subjects.
Addressing the gathering, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh emphasised the crucial role that flight test crews play in strengthening India’s defence preparedness and advancing indigenous aerospace capabilities. He highlighted the importance of self-reliance in defence production and described “Atmanirbharta” as a strategic necessity for the nation’s security and technological growth.
The Air Chief also stressed the need for reducing the time taken from aircraft design to operational deployment while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and operational effectiveness. He urged the graduating officers to uphold values such as honesty, integrity, precision, and excellence throughout their professional careers.
The ceremony reflected the growing emphasis on modernisation and indigenous capability development within the Indian Armed Forces. As India continues to invest in advanced defence technologies and aerospace innovation, the role of trained test pilots and flight test engineers becomes increasingly important in ensuring that new systems meet the operational requirements of the armed forces.
The successful completion of the 48th Flight Test Course marks another significant milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen its aerospace testing and evaluation capabilities while supporting the broader vision of a self-reliant defence sector.
