HAL Set to Deliver Tejas FOC Trainers, HTT-40 Aircraft and Dhruv Helicopters in Bengaluru

State-run aerospace and defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will hand over LCA Tejas Final Operational Clearance (FOC) twin-seater trainer aircraft and HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force, besides Dhruv next-generation helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited, at a ceremony in Bengaluru on September 18, officials said.

The handover ceremony will be held in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, according to the Defence Ministry.

The event is expected to highlight the expanding capabilities of India's domestic aerospace industry and the role of HAL and its industry partners in strengthening the country's indigenous aerospace ecosystem.The ministry said the handover would demonstrate the industry's growing ability to design, develop and manufacture advanced aerospace platforms for both military and civil applications.

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Sanjeev Kumar, Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K and other senior officials from the defence and civil aviation ministries, the IAF, Pawan Hans, regulatory agencies and the aerospace and defence sectors are also scheduled to attend.

The government has accorded high priority to indigenous design, development and manufacturing in the aerospace and defence sectors as part of its efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities.

The induction of the aircraft and helicopters is being seen as another step towards expanding India's self-reliance in aerospace and defence manufacturing and reducing dependence on foreign sources.

The LCA Tejas is India's indigenous light combat aircraft programme, while the HTT-40 is a basic trainer aircraft developed by HAL for the training requirements of the IAF.The Dhruv helicopter, meanwhile, is an indigenous platform developed by HAL for a range of military and civilian applications.

The September 18 event will bring together senior officials and stakeholders from the country's defence, civil aviation and aerospace sectors.