Indian Air Force Celebrates 48th Flight Test Course Graduation with Top Honors for Squadron Leader KK Singh
On May 23, 2026, the Indian Air Force held the graduation ceremony for the 48th Flight Test Course at the Indian Air Force Test Pilots School in Bengaluru.
The rigorous 48-week training program concluded with 17 officers graduating, including 11 Test Pilots and six Flight Test Engineers from the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, and Indian Navy. These officers will now become part of the Aviation Wing of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE).
The ceremony was attended by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, who presented certificates and trophies to the graduates.
Squadron Leader KK Singh, VM, received the “Suranjan Das Trophy”, while Squadron Leader Aditya Jamdagni was honored with the “Chief of the Air Staff Trophy”.
The “Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword” was awarded to Wing Commander Abhinav Kumar, the “Dunlop Trophy” went to Wing Commander Pranav Sharma, and Squadron Leader Paras Sharma received the “Kapil Bhargava Trophy” for their exceptional performance during the course.
In his address, the Air Chief emphasized the significant contributions of flight test crews to enhance India's indigenous aerospace capabilities, aligning with the national initiative of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
He encouraged the graduates to focus on capability development, innovation, and operational excellence, while maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety and professionalism.
The Flight Test Course is recognized as one of India's most specialized and demanding military aviation programs, aiming to develop highly skilled test pilots and flight test engineers who can assess advanced aircraft, weapon systems, and aerospace technologies.
