IAF Chief Stresses Self-Reliance in Defence Modernisation Push

Bengaluru: The Indian Air Force marked another milestone in its pursuit of technological independence as 17 officers graduated from the 48th Flight Test Course at the Air Force Test Pilot School. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, himself an alumnus of the programme, delivered a compelling address underscoring that self-reliance is no longer optional but a strategic imperative for India's defence sector. The graduating batch comprised officers from the Air Force, Army, and Navy who completed a rigorous multi-disciplinary curriculum spanning 48 weeks. Their training focused on advanced flight testing, systems evaluation, and operational validation—skills essential for India's growing indigenous aircraft and weapons programmes. During the ceremony, outstanding performers were recognised with prestigious awards. Squadron Leader KK Singh earned the Suranjan Das Trophy for overall excellence, while Squadron Leader Aditya Jamdagni received the Air Force Chief's Trophy for superior flying assessment. Among test engineers, Wing Commander Abhinav Kumar, Wing Commander Pranav Sharma, and Squadron Leader Paras Sharma were honoured for their exceptional performance across various categories. The Air Force Chief urged the new graduates to play an active role in India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' mission by ensuring that locally developed platforms meet global standards of safety and performance. He emphasised the need to compress development timelines without compromising quality and called for unwavering commitment to integrity and technical excellence.