Union Cabinet Approves Acquisition of 70 Trainer Aircraft from HAL

The HAL will deliver the locally made aircraft over the next six years, helping to supplement the Indian Air Force's (IAF) current fleet of 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II aircraft. The approval, though, is less than the original proposal of 106 HTT-40s for ₹ 8,722 crore. The reason for the change has not been provided. The IAF had flown the aircraft, and it had passed critical regulatory tests. The procurement will also include associated equipment and training aids, such as simulators.

The fully aerobatic tandem-seat turbo trainer has a modern avionics system, air-conditioned cockpit, hot refuelling, running changeover, and zero-zero ejection seats. The HTT-40 is expected to solve the shortage of basic trainer aircraft for new pilots in the IAF.

Although the IAF considered purchasing more Pilatus aircraft in the past, they ultimately chose the locally produced HTT-40 due to its indigenisation potential and ability to incorporate futuristic requirements of the armed forces. The current version has 56 per cent indigenous content, which will be progressively raised to over 60 per cent through indigenisation of major components and subsystems.

The Cabinet also approved the purchase of three cadet training ships for the Indian Navy from Larsen & Toubro for more than ₹ 3,000 crore. The ships will be used to train officer cadets, including women, at sea after their basic training to meet the Indian Navy's future requirements. Construction of the ships is set to begin in 2026 at the L&T shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai.