The valedictory function of the 1st Test Course (Unmanned Aerial Systems) [1TC (UAS)] and the 25th Production Test Pilots (PTP) Course was held on December 19, 2025, at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE). The courses were conducted by the Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS), operating under the aegis of ASTE. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in India’s expanding capabilities in manned and unmanned aerospace testing.
Distinguished Leadership and Participation
The event was graced by Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb, VSM, Director General (Aircraft), as the Chief Guest. Senior representatives from the Indian Air Force, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) and the Society of Flight Test Engineers (SFTE) were also present, reflecting strong inter-institutional collaboration in defence aerospace.
Recognising Excellence and Operational Readiness
During the ceremony, meritorious student officers were awarded trophies in recognition of their outstanding performance and professional excellence. Officers graduating from the PTP and TC (UAS) courses will play a critical role in test flying of production aircraft and testing of indigenous unmanned aerial systems currently under development.
Their induction is expected to significantly enhance India’s capability to validate complex platforms and accelerate the nation’s Atmanirbharta initiatives in the defence aerospace sector.
AFTPS: The Nucleus of Flight Test Training in India
The Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS) is the only institution in India dedicated to training experimental and production flight test crew for fixed-wing, rotary-wing and unmanned aerial systems. Over the years, AFTPS has produced highly skilled test professionals who have made pivotal contributions not only to India’s defence aeronautical programmes but also to strategic space missions, including the Gaganyaan programme.
The school has also trained officers from friendly foreign nations, further enhancing India’s standing in the global aerospace community.
Legacy of Excellence and Global Recognition
To date, AFTPS has successfully graduated:
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47 Flight Test Courses
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24 Production Test Pilots Courses
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4 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Test Courses
AFTPS is among a select group of internationally recognised Test Pilot Schools, with its status and professional standards endorsed by global bodies such as SETP, SFTE and the Aeronautical Society of India (ASI).
Conclusion
The successful completion of the 1st Test Course (UAS) and the 25th Production Test Pilots Course marks a defining step in India’s journey toward self-reliance in advanced aerospace systems. With the growing emphasis on indigenous aircraft and unmanned platforms, the graduating officers from AFTPS are poised to play a decisive role in shaping the future of India’s defence and aerospace capabilities, reinforcing both operational excellence and technological sovereignty.
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Source: PIB
