The Indian Air Force successfully conducted and concluded the 47th Flight Test Course. The test, which underscores India’s advancement of its flight testing capabilities, was completed on 23rd May 2025, followed by the traditional Valedictory ceremony, the Suranjan Das Dinner, held at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Bengaluru. The course is helmed by the Indian Air Force Test Pilots School (IAFTPS) and is co-located with the ASTE at Bengaluru. It started training pilots in 1976 and offers two courses, a Flight Test Engineers (FTE) course and the Experimental Flight Test Course, which lasts 11 months. Due to its pedigree, it is one of eight globally recognized test pilot schools that imparts flight test training.
The valedictorian ceremony, conducted to honor and congratulate the IAF officers who passed the test, was presided over by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), who felicitated the graduating officers. He presented the officers with the course completion certificates and honored exemplary trainees with coveted trophies. The 48-week-long 47th Flight Test Course is considered to be one of the most rigorous and specialized in the field of military aviation testing. It equips the officers with the expertise to evaluate and certify advanced aerospace platforms and systems.
How The 47th Flight Test Course Contributes To National Defense
The 47th Flight Test Course is the cornerstone of India’s air defense preparedness and aviation strategy. Hosted at the ASTE, it is a rigorous course that prepares officers as qualitative evaluators who are responsible for development trials and carrying out performance assessments of indigenous and imported aerial platforms. As such, they impact the integration of advanced platforms and technologies, which shapes the nation’s defense infrastructure. The course consists of advanced theoretical instruction and practical sorties involving flight envelope expansion, weapon system trials, and avionics evaluation. Furthermore, the officers are evaluated on ground subjects, flight test planning, real-time data interpretation, and safety management protocols.
Sashakt, Saksham, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Air Chief Marshal
During the ceremonial Valedictory function, the Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also addressed the graduates of the Flight Test Course. He emphasized the importance of test flying as a specialized domain demanding the highest professional acumen, ethical integrity, and service dedication. He further called upon the graduating officers to uphold the core values of Precision and Excellence, which are critical in shaping a Sashakt, Saksham, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Highlighting the strategic importance of indigenous platforms such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the LCA Tejas Mk-II, the Air Chief shed light on the role of Flight Test officers and how they can empower the nation.
Honoring Excellence: Awardees of the 47th Flight Test Course
During the traditional Valedictory function, recognizing academic and operational merit, several officers were also awarded for their exceptional performance during the course:
- Suranjan Das Trophy for Best All-Round Test Pilot: Squadron Leader S Bhardwaj
- Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for Best Student Test Pilot in Flight Evaluation: Squadron Leader Ajay Tripathi
- Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword for Best All-Round Student Flight Test Engineer: Squadron Leader Subhrajyoti Paul
- Dunlop Trophy for Best Student Test Engineer in Flight Evaluation: Wing Commander Ashwini Singh
- Kapil Bhargava Trophy for Best Student in Ground Subjects: Major Kaustubh Kunte
Strategic Role of ASTE and the Future of Military Aviation
The Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment, established in 1948, continues to be a vital infrastructure for Indian defense innovation. ASTE is integral to flight validation, aerodynamic trials, and weapons integration across platforms such as fighter jets, helicopters, and UAVs.
The conclusion of the 47th Flight Test Course not only reflects the professionalism of the Indian Air Force but also its readiness to meet future challenges through technology-driven solutions. As India accelerates its journey towards self-reliance and independence in aerospace, the role of trained flight testing personnel will be more critical than ever in ensuring the successful development and integration of advanced platforms.
