**Executive Summary**
The Air Force Test Pilots School of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) held a valedictory function on December 19, 2025, for the 1st Test Course (Unmanned Aerial Systems) [1TC(UAS)] and the 25th Production Test Pilots (PTP) Course. Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb was the Chief Guest. The graduates are set to contribute to the 'Atmanirbharata' efforts by participating in the test flying and testing of aircraft and systems under development.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Event:** Valedictory function for 1st Test Course (Unmanned Aerial Systems) [1TC(UAS)] and 25th Production Test Pilots (PTP) Course.
* **Date:** December 19, 2025.
* **Location:** Air Force Test Pilots School of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE).
* **Chief Guest:** Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb, VSM, Director General (Aircraft).
* **Attendees:** Senior representatives from IAF, DRDO, HAL, Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) and Society of Flight Test Engineers (SFTE).
* **Graduates' Role:** PTP and TC (UAS) course officers will participate in test flying activities of production aircraft and testing of indigenous unmanned aircraft and systems under development.
* **AFTPS Recognition:** AFTPS is recognized by international bodies, including SETP, SFTE, and Aeronautical Society of India (ASI).
* **AFTPS Achievements:** AFTPS has graduated a total of 47 Flight Test Courses, 24 Production Test Pilots Courses, and 4 RPA Test Courses.
* **AFTPS Impact:** AFTPS has trained highly skilled test crew playing a pivotal role in Indian defence aeronautical projects and space projects (Gaganyaanprogram) and has trained officers of friendly foreign countries.
**Impact Analysis**
**Graduating Officers:**
* **Impact:** These officers will contribute to the testing and development of aircraft and systems, contributing to India's self-reliance in defense aerospace.
* **Action Required:** Participate in test flying activities of production aircraft and testing of indigenous unmanned aircraft and systems under development.
**IAF, DRDO, HAL:**
* **Impact:** These organizations benefit from the skilled graduates who contribute to the development and testing of aircraft and systems.
* **Action Required:** Potentially integrate the graduates into relevant projects and utilize their skills in testing and development.
**ASTE/AFTPS:**
* **Impact:** Reinforces their position as a leading institution for training experimental and production flight test crew.
* **Action Required:** Continue providing high-quality training to maintain its reputation and contribution to defence aerospace.
Key Entities Referenced
Air Force Test Pilots School of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE): Location of the 1st Test Course (Unmanned Aerial Systems) [1TC(UAS)] and 25th Production Test Pilots (PTP) Course
Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS): Institution training experimental and production flight test crew under the aegis of ASTE
Ministry of Defence: The ministry under which the event takes place.
1st Test Course (Unmanned Aerial Systems) [1TC(UAS)]: One of the courses whose valedictory function is being held.
25th Production Test Pilots (PTP) Course: One of the courses whose valedictory function is being held.
Ministry of Defence
VALEDICTORY FUNCTION: 1st TEST COURSE
(UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEMS) AND 25th
PRODUCTION TEST PILOTS COURSE AT
AIRCRAFT AND SYSTEMS TESTING
ESTABLISHMENT
प्रव तथ: 19 DEC 2025 8:21PM by PIB Delhi
The valedictory function of the 1st Test Course (Unmanned Aerial Systems) [1TC(UAS)] and 25th
Production Test Pilots (PTP) Course was held at the Air Force Test Pilots School of Aircraft and Systems
Testing Establishment (ASTE) on 19 Dec 25. Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb, VSM, Director General
(Aircraft) was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Senior representatives from IAF, DRDO, HAL, Society of
Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) and Society of Flight Test Engineers (SFTE) also attended the function.
During the ceremony, meritorious student officers received trophies for their excellence.
Graduating PTP and TC (UAS) course officers are among those who will participate in the test flying
activities of the production aircraft and testing of indigenous unmanned aircraft and systems under
development. This would add impetus to the ‘Atmanirbharata’ efforts in defence aerospace.
Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS), established under the aegis of ASTE, is the only institution
in the country for training of experimental and production flight test crew for fixed wing, rotary wing and
unmanned aerial systems. AFTPS over the years has trained highly skilled test crew, who have gone on to
play a pivotal role not only in India’s defence aeronautical projects but also in space projects including the
prestigious Gaganyaanprogram. It has also trained officers of friendly foreign countries. A total of 47
Flight Test Courses, 24 Production Test Pilots Courses and 4 RPA Test Courses have already graduated
from AFTPS. It is noteworthy that AFTPS is one of the few recognised Test Pilot Schools in the world,
whose work and status has been endorsed by international bodies such as SETP, SFTE and Aeronautical
Society of India (ASI)***
VK/JS/SM
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