State-run defence major HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) on Friday handed over LCA Tejas Final Operational Clearance twin-seater trainers and HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the IAF, marking an important milestone in the country's self-reliance journey. HAL also handed over Dhruv next-generation helicopters to Pawan Hans.
The achievement also highlights the role being played by HAL and its industry partners in strengthening the domestic aerospace ecosystem.
The platforms were displayed and a pooja was also performed in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu at the handing-over ceremony of HAL's platforms. Singh also sat inside the Dhruv NG, which was displayed at the venue. It is a HAL-designed and manufactured 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter, officials said.
The Defence Minister asserted that India is moving systematically towards Aatmanirbharta in defence, as the nation has been manufacturing state-of-the-art equipment indigenously ever since the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government began working with the core mantra of self-reliance.
“We’ve taken steps to not only provide the opportunity to Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) to advance in the defence sector, but also encourage the private industry, ensuring a level playing field,” he added, while listing the steps taken by the Ministry of Defence to promote self-reliance.
IAF Gets Two LCA FOC Trainer Aircraft
Two LCA FOC Trainer aircraft were handed over to the Indian Air Force, completing the twin-seater deliveries under the FOC contract, and four Dhruv Next Generation (NG) helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited (PHL), marking the induction of the civil-certified Dhruv NG into the civil aviation segment.
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The LCA Twin Seater Trainers are the final two aircraft under the FOC contract. The aircraft will support the Indian Air Force's training requirements and provide pilots with an indigenous training continuum into frontline fighter operations. The Tejas Trainer retains the core systems and combat capability of the frontline platform, enabling pilots to train on the aircraft they will eventually fly in service.
HTT-40 Aircraft Capable Of Night Flying
The HTT-40 (Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40), which was named Anku, is an indigenously designed and developed Basic Trainer Aircraft intended to meet the primary training requirements of the Defence Forces. The aircraft is built around a proven turboprop engine and is designed to provide good low-speed handling characteristics and effective training for trainee pilots. It incorporates a modern cockpit and avionics suite and is capable of performing a range of basic training and flying roles, including aerobatics, general handling, instrument flying, navigation, night flying and close formation flying.