State-owned aerospace manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has officially handed over twin-seater Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas trainers and the first HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The handover took place during a ceremony in Bengaluru attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The event marked several key additions across defense and civil aviation fleets: LCA Tejas FOC Trainers: HAL delivered two twin-seater trainer aircraft configured to Final Operational Clearance (FOC) standards to the IAF. Under a 2010 contract covering 16 fighters and four twin-seaters, HAL aims to supply a total of 29 MK1A twin-seater variants to the force by 2033–34. HTT-40 Basic Trainer (“Ankur”): The IAF formally received its first indigenous Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40, christened “Ankur” by the Defence Minister. Featuring advanced avionics and a modernized glass cockpit, the aircraft is the first of 70 units contracted by the Ministry of Defence for rookie pilot training. Dhruv Next Generation (NG): HAL also handed over four Dhruv NG helicopters to public sector operator Pawan Hans Limited. Engineered to comply with AS-4 civil standards, the delivery marks the indigenous platform’s commercial debut for operations including offshore transport. The combined inductions highlight steady progress in domestic aerospace manufacturing, advancing both military pilot training capabilities and indigenous commercial aviation solutions. Post navigation Noel Tata Vows to Veto Tata Sons IPO, Proposes Three-Year Extension from RBI
