Precision, excellence essential to shape self-reliant India: Air Chief

Bengaluru: Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Friday reiterated the IAF's commitment to self-reliance and highlighted ongoing indigenous development efforts. He said projects like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (Amca) and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk-II were central to building a technologically capable and self-reliant defence sector.
"Precision and excellence are essential in shaping a sashakt, saksham and atmanirbhar (strong, powerful, and self-reliant) India," he said at the valedictory function of the 47th flight test course of the IAF Test Pilot School here. The event was held at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE).
The flight test course is considered a pivotal programme in developing India's capability to evaluate new and advanced aerial platforms and systems.
It offers rigorous training in flight testing and systems assessment, equipping officers to contribute to the future of indigenous aviation technologies.
Singh commended the graduates for their dedication and spoke of the vital role test flying plays in the advancement of the Air Force. "Test flying is a specialist domain requiring the highest standards of professional competence, integrity and commitment to service," he said.
Calling upon the graduates to remain steadfast in upholding the values of precision and excellence, he urged them to contribute to the vision of a potent, powerful, and self-reliant India.
The event also celebrated the achievements of individual officers. The Suranjan Das Trophy for best all-round student test pilot was awarded to squadron leader S Bhardwaj. Squadron leader Ajay Tripathi received the Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for his performance in flight evaluation.
Among flight test engineers, squadron leader Subhrajyoti Paul was recognised with the Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword for best overall performance, while wing commander Ashwini Singh received the Dunlop Trophy for excellence in flight evaluation. Major Kaustubh Kunte was awarded the Kapil Bhargava Trophy for his performance in ground subjects.
— Sutapa Dey
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