BENGALURU: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has handed over indigenous Tejas twin-seater trainer aircraft and HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, marking a significant step in India’s efforts to strengthen domestic aerospace manufacturing.
The handover ceremony took place in Bengaluru in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu. Dhruv Next Generation helicopters were also handed over to Pawan Hans Limited, expanding the platform’s presence in the civil aviation sector.
During the event, the aircraft and helicopters were displayed, while a traditional pooja was conducted. Rajnath Singh also inspected the Dhruv NG helicopter by sitting inside the aircraft.
HAL delivered two LCA Tejas Final Operational Clearance (FOC) trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, completing twin-seater deliveries under the FOC contract. The company also handed over four Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans, marking their induction into civil aviation.
The HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft, named Ankur, was also handed over to the Air Force, beginning deliveries under a contract for 70 aircraft.
The Tejas FOC trainer is a lightweight, all-weather, multirole 4.5-generation aircraft designed primarily for pilot training, while retaining the capability to undertake fighter operations when required. It features a quadruplex fly-by-wire flight-control system, advanced digital avionics, a glass cockpit and composite airframe materials.
The Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne, twin-engine, multirole helicopter designed and manufactured by HAL. Its civil-certified cockpit, upgraded navigation systems and safety features support operations in demanding conditions.
Meanwhile, the HTT-40, developed by HAL’s Aircraft Research and Design Centre, is designed for basic military pilot training. The aircraft supports aerobatics, instrument flying, navigation, night flying and formation flying.
Together, the platforms highlight HAL’s involvement in military aviation, civil helicopters and indigenous pilot training capabilities.
