46th Flight Test Course Officers Graduate with Flying Colors, Enhancing India's Aerospace Indigenization Drive
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, graced the graduation ceremony as the Chief Guest.
BNH BUREAU
Bengaluru -Twelve Test Pilots and five Flight Test Engineers from the 46th Flight Test Course celebrated their graduation from the Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS) in Bengaluru today, marking the successful completion of a rigorous 48-week Flight Test Course. AFTPS, a vital component of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), specializes in training Test Pilots and Test Engineers for all services including DRDO. Graduates of this esteemed institution are entrusted with evaluating various airborne systems, weapons, and platforms, contributing significantly to India's pursuit of 'Atma-Nirbharta' in the aerospace domain.
General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, graced the graduation ceremony as the Chief Guest. He bestowed certificates upon all graduating officers and awarded trophies to the meritorious graduates. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest underscored the pivotal role the graduating officers would play in bolstering the capabilities, modernization, and indigenization efforts of the Indian Armed Forces.
He emphasized the paramount importance of professional competence in ensuring that aircraft and systems meet the operational requisites of the services, highlighting the active role that test crew could play in the nation's indigenization drive. With their specialized training and experience, test crew members are instrumental in realizing and sustaining the national aspiration of 'Atma-Nirbharta' in the challenging realm of military aviation.
Among the passing out officers, one hailed from the Indian Navy and another from the Indian Army, adding to the prestigious and elite club known as "the few and the proud," which includes 341 Test Pilots and 152 Flight Test Engineers who have graduated from AFTPS since its inception in 1973.
Squadron Leader Anubhav Berwal was awarded the esteemed "Suranjan Das Trophy" for the best all-round student test pilot, while Squadron Leader V Supriya clinched the prestigious "Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword" for the best all-round student flight test engineer.
