Extracted Data Points

  • Eleven Test Pilots and Six Flight Test Engineers graduated from the Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS) in Bengaluru
  • Graduation date: 23 May 2026
  • Training duration: 48 weeks of multi-discipline training curriculum
  • Total graduating officers: 17 officers
  • Branch distribution: 14 officers from Indian Air Force, 1 officer from Indian Army, 2 officers from Indian Navy
  • Graduates will join the Aviation Wing of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment
  • Chief Guest: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh PVSM AVSM, Chief of the Air Staff (alumnus of 17th Flight Test Course)
  • Trophy recipients:
  • "Suranjan Das Trophy" for best all-round student Test Pilot: Sqn Ldr KK Singh, VM
  • "Chief of the Air Staff Trophy" for best student Test Pilot in flight evaluation: Sqn Ldr Aditya Jamdagni
  • "Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword" for best all-round student Flight Test Engineer: Wg Cdr Abhinav Kumar
  • "Dunlop Trophy" for best student Flight Test Engineer in flight evaluation: Wg Cdr Pranav Sharma
  • "Kapil Bhargava Trophy" for best student in ground subjects: Sqn Ldr Paras Sharma
  • Strategic emphasis on 'Atmanirbharta' (self-reliance) as strategic necessity for developing resilient indigenous defence capabilities
  • Focus on optimizing 'design to delivery' time cycles while upholding highest standards of safety and quality
  • Professional competence required to ensure aircraft and systems meet operational requirements of services