Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defense Aerospace: ASTE Hosts Valedictory for 1st UAS Test Course and 25th Production Test Pilots

NEW DELHI, DECEMBER 19: The Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) marked a significant milestone in indigenous defense aviation with the valedictory function of the 1st Test Course (Unmanned Aerial Systems) and the 25th Production Test Pilots (PTP) Course held on December 19, 2025.

Air Marshal KAA Sanjeeb, Director General (Aircraft), served as the Chief Guest at the Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS), joined by senior leaders from the IAF, DRDO, HAL, and international flight test societies. The graduation of these specialized officers is set to provide a major boost to ‘Atmanirbharata’ (self-reliance) efforts, as these pilots and test crew will lead the testing of production aircraft and indigenous unmanned systems currently under development.

As the only institution in India capable of training experimental and production flight test crews for fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and unmanned systems, AFTPS continues to play a pivotal role in national defense and space initiatives, including the Gaganyaan program. To date, the school has successfully graduated 47 Flight Test Courses and 24 Production Test Pilots Courses, earning global recognition from bodies such as the Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP) and the Society of Flight Test Engineers (SFTE). This latest cohort of graduates reinforces India’s status as a global leader in flight testing, ensuring that the next generation of aerospace technology is rigorously evaluated by highly skilled, home-grown professionals.