Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) marked a significant milestone in India’s indigenous aerospace journey on Friday by handing over key platforms to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Pawan Hans Limited (PHL). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu presided over the ceremony, with Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh also present.
Keywords: HAL Tejas FOC trainers, HTT-40 Ankur delivery, Dhruv NG helicopters, LCA Mk-1A progress, Atmanirbhar Bharat aerospace, Rajnath Singh, AP Singh, Defence Minister, Air Chief
HAL delivered the final two Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Final Operational Clearance (FOC) twin-seater trainers to the IAF. This completes the twin-seater deliveries under the FOC contract and formally closes the original 40-aircraft Tejas Mk-1 order placed in two tranches in 2006 and 2010. Thirty-eight aircraft from that programme had already been supplied. The trainers support the IAF’s advanced pilot training pipeline while retaining combat capability.
The company also handed over the first series-production HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft, formally named ‘Ankur’, to the IAF. This marks the start of deliveries under the 70-aircraft contract. Designed for Stage-I training, the turboprop platform covers basic flying, aerobatics, instrument and night flying, and formation work, reducing reliance on imported trainers.
In parallel, four civil-certified Dhruv Next Generation (NG) helicopters were transferred to PHL. The 5.5-tonne twin-engine multi-role helicopters, featuring modern glass cockpits and advanced avionics, enter civil service for roles including passenger, offshore and utility operations.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K noted the completion of the Mk-1 programme and the shift of focus to the larger Tejas Mk-1A effort. Of the 180 airframes ordered, 27 have been built and stand 90-95 per cent complete. Remaining work centres on AESA radar performance, missile integration and software certification. Initial Mk-1A deliveries are targeted within the current financial year as engine supplies and flight testing progress.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the occasion as more than a handover, calling it an important step towards indigenous aerospace capability, technological strength and Atmanirbhar Bharat. The platforms underscore HAL’s expanding ability to design, develop and manufacture advanced fixed-wing and rotary-wing systems for both military and civil users, in partnership with the wider domestic industry.
The induction strengthens the IAF’s training infrastructure and supports broader self-reliance goals in aerospace and defence manufacturing.
contact: drrajeshjauhri@gmail.com
Dr Rajesh Jauhri is a Journalist with an experience of over 25 years in Indian and foreign media, a Social Scientist, an Ac-complished Author, a Political & Strategic Analyst, a Marksman (Rifle & Pistol), an Orator, a Thinker and an Educationist. He holds a Ph.D. degree on “Impact of colonial heritage on Indian police”. He runs an NGO dedicated to the social and eco-nomic uplift of tribal communities in MP and two decades back, he established a school in a village of Indore district, providing education and moral values to children belonging to underprivileged and minority families. Has received multiple awards in various fields.
