The 47th Flight Test Course of the Indian Air Force Test Pilot School concluded on May 23, 2025, at Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Bengaluru. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, presided over the ceremony and presented certificates and trophies to the graduating officers. The 48-week course is designed to enhance India's flight testing capabilities for advanced aerial platforms and systems. Air Chief Marshal Singh emphasized the importance of test flying for self-reliance and highlighted indigenization efforts like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and LCA MKII projects. Squadron Leader S Bhardwaj, Squadron Leader Ajay Tripathi, Squadron Leader Subhrajyoti Paul, Wing Commander Ashwini Singh, and Major Kaustubh Kunte received awards for their outstanding performance.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Defence: The government ministry responsible for defense.
47TH FLIGHT TEST COURSE: A flight test course conducted by an unspecified organization.
23 MAY 2025: Date of the news posting and the valedictory function.
PIB Delhi: Press Information Bureau, Delhi - likely the source of the news.
Indian Air Force Test Pilot School: The institution that conducted the 47th Flight Test Course.
Suranjan Das Dinner: Name of the ceremonial Valedictory function.
Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment ASTE, Bengaluru: Location of the Valedictory function. ASTE is an establishment focused on aircraft and systems testing located in Bengaluru.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh: Chief of the Air Staff and the Chief Guest at the function.
Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft AMCA: An indigenous development project for combat aircraft.
LCA MKII: An indigenous development project. Likely refers to Light Combat Aircraft Mark 2.
Suranjan Das Trophy: Trophy awarded to the best all-round student test pilot.
Squadron Leader S Bhardwaj: Recipient of the Suranjan Das Trophy.
Chief of the Air Staff Trophy: Trophy awarded to the best student test pilot in flight evaluation.
Squadron Leader Ajay Tripathi: Recipient of the Chief of the Air Staff Trophy.
Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword: Awarded to the best all round student flight test engineer
Squadron Leader Subhrajyoti Paul: The recipient of the Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword.
Dunlop Trophy: Trophy awarded for best student test engineer in flight evaluation.
Wing Commander Ashwini Singh: Recipient of the Dunlop Trophy.
Kapil Bhargava Trophy: Trophy awarded to the best student in ground subjects.
Major Kaustubh Kunte: Recipient of the Kapil Bhargava Trophy.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: A vision for a self-reliant India
Ministry of Defence
47TH FLIGHT TEST COURSE OFFICERS
GRAUDATE WITH FLYING COLOURS
Posted On: 23 MAY 2025 4:46PM by PIB Delhi
On 23 May 25, the prestigious 47th Flight Test Course of the Indian Air Force Test Pilot School concluded
with a ceremonial Valedictory function, "Suranjan Das Dinner", at Aircraft and Systems Testing
Establishment (ASTE), Bengaluru.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He awarded
the graduating officers with certificates, along with trophies to the meritorious officers, recognizing their
exceptional performance during this demanding and specialized course. The Flight Test Course is known for
its rigorous training for a duration of 48 weeks and is a cornerstone towards building the nation's flight testing
capability for cutting-edge aerial platforms and systems.
In his address, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh highlighted the vital role of test flying as a specialist domain,
requiring highest standards of professional competence, integrity and dedication to service. Emphasizing the
Indian Air Force's commitment to self-reliance, he underscored the indigenisation efforts through
development projects such as Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and LCA MK-II. He also called
upon the graduating officers to uphold the core values of Precision and Excellence, which are essential in
shaping a Sashakt, Saksham and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The prestigious "Suranjan Das Trophy", for the best all-round student test pilot, was awarded to Squadron
Leader S Bhardwaj, while the "Chief of the Air Staff Trophy", for the best student test pilot in flight
evaluation, was awarded to Squadron Leader Ajay Tripathi. The "Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword", for
best all round student flight test engineer, was awarded to Squadron Leader Subhrajyoti Paul The "Dunlop
Trophy", for best student test engineer in flight evaluation, was awarded to Wing Commander Ashwini Singh
The "Kapil Bhargava Trophy", for the best student in ground subjects, was awarded to Major Kaustubh
Kunte.***
VK/JS/SM
(Release ID: 2130758)