On May 23, 2025, the esteemed 47th Flight Test Course at the Indian Air Force Test Pilot School concluded with a ceremonial Valedictory function, known as the “Suranjan Das Dinner,” held at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in Bengaluru.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, honored the occasion as the Chief Guest. He presented certificates to the graduating officers and awarded trophies to the distinguished officers, acknowledging their outstanding performance throughout this challenging and specialized course. Spanning 48 weeks, the Flight Test Course is renowned for its rigorous training, laying the foundation for enhancing the nation’s flight testing capabilities for advanced aerial platforms and systems.
In his address, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh emphasized the crucial nature of test flying as a specialized field that demands the highest standards of professional competence, integrity, and dedication to service. Underlining the Indian Air Force’s commitment to self-reliance, he highlighted indigenization initiatives through development projects such as the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and LCA MK-II. He urged the graduating officers to embody the core values of Precision and Excellence, essential for fostering a Sashakt, Saksham, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The prestigious “Suranjan Das Trophy” for the best all-round student test pilot was awarded to Squadron Leader S. Bhardwaj, while the “Chief of the Air Staff Trophy” for the best student test pilot in flight evaluation went to Squadron Leader Ajay Tripathi. The “Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword” for the best all-round student flight test engineer was presented to Squadron Leader Subhrajyoti Paul. Additionally, the “Dunlop Trophy” for the best student test engineer in flight evaluation was awarded to Wing Commander Ashwini Singh, and the “Kapil Bhargava Trophy” for the best student in ground subjects was given to Major Kaustubh Kunte.
