47th Flight Test Course Graduates from IAF Test Pilot School with Flying Colours

The Indian Air Force (IAF) marked the successful completion of the prestigious 47th Flight Test Course at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Bengaluru, with a ceremonial valedictory function — the “Suranjan Das Dinner” — held on Friday.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, presided over the event as the Chief Guest, awarding certificates and trophies to the graduating officers who demonstrated exceptional performance in this highly specialized and rigorous 48-week training programme. The course is a cornerstone in building India’s flight testing capabilities for advanced aerial platforms and systems.

In his address, Air Chief Marshal Singh lauded the officers for their perseverance and professional excellence, highlighting test flying as a domain demanding unmatched competence, integrity, and service dedication. He reaffirmed the IAF’s commitment to indigenisation through key defence projects such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the Light Combat Aircraft MK-II, calling on officers to embody the values of precision and excellence in advancing a “Sashakt, Saksham, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

Among the awards presented:

• Suranjan Das Trophy for Best All-Round Student Test Pilot: Squadron Leader S Bhardwaj
• Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for Best in Flight Evaluation (Pilot): Squadron Leader Ajay Tripathi
• Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword for Best All-Round Flight Test Engineer: Squadron Leader Subhrajyoti Paul
• Dunlop Trophy for Best Flight Test Engineer in Flight Evaluation: Wing Commander Ashwini Singh
• Kapil Bhargava Trophy for Best in Ground Subjects: Major Kaustubh Kunte

The graduation of this elite cohort reinforces the Indian Air Force’s capability to test, validate, and induct cutting-edge indigenous and global aviation technology with utmost precision and efficiency.