CDS Gen Anil Chauhan Visits Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment & Air Force Test Pilots School in Bengaluru
On 24 May 2024, CDS Gen Anil Chauhan paid a visit to the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) and Air Force Test Pilots School (AFTPS) in Bengaluru. During his visit, a ceremonial Guard of Honour was held in his honor, and he also laid a wreath at the memorial dedicated to the Indian test crew and scientists who made the ultimate sacrifice during flight testing missions.
During his tour, CDS Gen Anil Chauhan received briefings on the ongoing trials at ASTE and the flight test training activities at AFTPS, as well as a comprehensive overview of the organizational roles of these vital institutions of the Indian Air Force. He was given a tour of the facilities at ASTE and AFTPS, where he was shown major indigenous projects promoting self-reliance (Aatmnirbharata) and the advanced training infrastructure.
In addition, the CDS Gen Anil Chauhan visited the ASTE museum, which houses a collection of artifacts depicting significant historical milestones from the five-decade-long journey of ASTE and AFTPS.
Gen Anil Chauhan presided over the closing ceremony of the 46 Flight Test Course held at AFTPS. A total of 17 students successfully completed the course. The event, known as the Suranjan Das Dinner, was organized by ASTE to honor the graduates and their spouses. Certificates of qualification were presented to all attendees, with special recognition given to five students for their exceptional performance in various categories.
The awardees included Sqn Ldr A Berwal, who received the Suranjan Das Trophy for best Test Pilot, Sqn Ldr Kapil Yadav, who was honored with the CAS Trophy for best flight evaluation, Sqn Ldr V Supriya, who received the Maharaja Hanumanth Singhji Sword for best FTE, Sqn Ldr Rajnish Rai, who received the Kapil Bhargava Trophy for best in ground subjects, and Lt Cdr Gaurav Tyagi, who was awarded the Dunlop Trophy for most promising FTE and flight evaluation.
The event was also attended by the AOC-in-C Training Command of the Indian Air Force and experienced test crew. The Officer Commanding AFTPS delivered an academic overview and end-of-course report, emphasizing the institution’s pivotal role as a Center of Excellence for providing flight test training to officers from various services, including the Indian Coast Guard, HAL, DRDO, and friendly foreign nations.
During his farewell speech, the Chief of Defence Staff praised the Commandant of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) and the entire team at the Aircraft Systems and Testing Personnel School (AFTPS) for upholding exceptional training standards in their specialized field. He recognized their indispensable role in enhancing the capability and modernization of the Indian Air Force, particularly in advancing the nation’s military aviation landscape. The CDS Gen Anil Chauhan commended the newly graduated officers on the significance of professional proficiency in meeting quality and safety standards for operational readiness. He urged them to continue striving for greater professional expertise as they progress in their roles as test crew members.
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