The Indian Air Force has inducted two LCA Tejas twin-seater trainer aircraft and three HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft, named Ankur, in a major step towards strengthening India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities.
The aircraft were inducted in Bengaluru on September 18, 2026, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited also handed over four Dhruv Next Generation helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited during the event.
The HTT-40, or Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40, is an Indian-designed and developed basic trainer aircraft built to meet the training needs of the armed forces. It uses a turboprop engine and has a modern cockpit and avionics system.
The aircraft can be used for aerobatics, general handling, instrument flying, navigation, night flying and close formation flying.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the induction was an important step towards building India’s own aerospace capabilities. He said the aim is to make India self-reliant and globally competitive in meeting its aerospace needs.
The Indian Air Force said the induction of Ankur will help train future pilots and build their skills before they move to operational aircraft.
The HTT-40 is being manufactured by HAL for the Indian Air Force. Rajnath Singh also highlighted its potential for exports to international markets.
The latest induction adds to India’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported aircraft and increase domestic production in the defence and aerospace sectors
