HAL delivered two military aircraft types to the Indian Air Force (IAF), plus a new civil variant of the Dhruv utility helicopter to an Indian customer, on 18 September 2026.
The state-owned airframer commenced deliveries of the Hindustan Turbo Trainer 40 (HTT-40) to the IAF with three aircraft, marking the return of an indigenously developed basic trainer to IAF service.
The IAF ordered 70 HTT-40s under a 2022 contract valued at INR68.3 billion (US$832 million). The IAF is expected to procure a further 36 aircraft once the type is operationalised. The HTT-40 is powered by a Honeywell TPE331-12B turboprop engine.
The IAF’s current basic trainer fleet comprises the Swiss Pilatus PC-7 Mk.II, with deliveries of 75 aircraft completed in 2015. The PC-7 Mk.II is powered by a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-25A turboprop engine.
HAL is targeting peak production of 20 HTT-40s annually across two production lines located at Bengaluru and Nashik. The second HTT-40 production line at the Nashik facility was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in October 2025.
Tejas trainer order completed
Meanwhile, HAL has concluded deliveries of two Tejas twin-seat trainers. The IAF had ordered 20 Tejas Mk.1 aircraft in 2010, comprising 16 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainers in final operational clearance (FOC) configuration.
The final two twin-seaters under the FOC contract, SPT7 and SPT8, were also delivered on 18 September 2026 and featured improvements related to radar performance, autopilot handling, integration of a software-defined radio, as well as incorporation of an air-to-air refuelling probe and fuel system improvements.
HAL also clarified that the FOC milestone for Tejas Mk.1 fighters was achieved by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) in 2019, and the release-to-service milestone for twin-seat trainers was accorded by the ADA in September 2023.
HAL is also contracted to produce ten Tejas Mk.1A trainers under a 2021 contract, plus 29 more under a 2025 contract. Deliveries of the latter will be completed during 2033-34.
These aircraft will feature an active electronically scanned array radar, Elbit Systems DASH V helmet sight, a new-generation laser designator pod, and they can carry ASRAAM and Astra missiles, among several other changes.
Civil foray for Dhruv helicopter
HAL also delivered the first four of ten Dhruv NG (New Generation) helicopters, configured for civil operations, to state-owned Pawan Hans Limited (PHL).
PHL will utilise the helicopters in support of offshore operations for India’s Oil and Natural Gas Corporation.
The Dhruv NG is powered by twin Shakti 1H1C engines, and it features a civil-certified glass cockpit. It can carry up to 14 passengers. HAL has produced more than 400 Dhruv helicopters across civil and military variants to date.
by Atul Chandra
