Chief of the Air Staff A.P. Singh stressed the importance of developing resilient indigenous defence capabilities while awarding certificates to 17 graduating officers from the 48th Flight Test Course in Bengaluru. The graduation ceremony held at the Air Force Test Pilots School saw 11 Test Pilots and six Flight Test Engineers completing a 48-week training program.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, an alumnus of the 17th Flight Test Course, highlighted the strategic necessity of ‘Atmanirbharta’ for bolstering indigenous defence capabilities. He underlined the critical responsibility of the test crew in advancing the nation’s indigenisation efforts and enhancing the aerospace ecosystem. Singh also emphasized the significance of reducing ‘design to delivery’ time cycles while maintaining top-notch safety and quality standards.
During the event, certificates were presented to all graduating officers, with trophies awarded to outstanding performers. The Chief Guest encouraged the officers to persevere with dedication, emphasizing their pivotal role in enhancing the armed forces’ capabilities and modernization efforts. Professional competence, integrity, and excellence were underscored as essential qualities for meeting operational requirements and upholding high standards in aircraft and systems.
The graduating course comprised 17 officers, including representatives from the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, and Indian Navy. The graduates will now join the Aviation Wing of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, a premier unit of the Indian Air Force. Notable awards included the “Suranjan Das Trophy” for the best all-round student Test Pilot, the “Chief of the Air Staff Trophy” for outstanding student Test Pilot in flight evaluation, and other accolades recognizing excellence in flight testing and ground subjects.
