Archive · 19 Sep 2026
HAL Delivers Tejas Trainers, HTT-40s and Dhruv Helicopters
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, or HAL, delivered several aircraft in Bengaluru on September 18, 2026.
Two Tejas trainer jets went to the Indian Air Force and completed a four-plane order.
Three HTT-40 planes also went to the Air Force to train new pilots.
The HTT-40 can be used for aerobatics, navigation, night flying and other basic flying lessons.
HAL also gave four Dhruv NG helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited.
These helicopters can carry passengers and support jobs such as air ambulances, offshore work and disaster relief.
The Tejas trainer can help pilots learn while still having many abilities of a fighter aircraft.
Government officials said the deliveries show that India is becoming more capable of designing and building its own aircraft.
HAL handed over two LCA Tejas FOC twin-seater trainers to the Indian Air Force, completing the four-aircraft FOC contract.
Three HTT-40 basic trainers were delivered to the IAF, beginning a 70-aircraft contract.
Four civil-certified Dhruv NG helicopters were delivered to Pawan Hans Limited for civil aviation operations.
The Tejas twin-seater is designed for pilot training while retaining fighter capabilities and advanced flight systems.
Officials described the handover as a step toward self-reliance and a stronger Indian aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
- Who
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Indian Air Force, Pawan Hans Limited, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu.
- What
- HAL delivered two LCA Tejas FOC twin-seater trainers, three HTT-40 basic trainers and four Dhruv NG helicopters.
- When
- September 18, 2026.
- Where
- Bengaluru, India.
- Why
- The deliveries support military pilot training, civil helicopter operations and India’s effort to build a self-reliant domestic aerospace industry.
- Tejas delivery
- Two LCA Tejas FOC twin-seater trainers were delivered to the IAF, completing the four-aircraft FOC contract.
- HTT-40 contract
- Three HTT-40 basic trainers were delivered at the start of a 70-aircraft contract.
- HTT-40 capabilities
- The aircraft supports basic handling, aerobatics, instrument flying, navigation, night flying and close-formation training.
- HTT-40 design
- The aircraft was designed by HAL’s Aircraft Research and Design Centre and has approximately 57 percent indigenous content.
- Dhruv NG delivery
- Four Dhruv NG helicopters were handed over to Pawan Hans Limited.
- Dhruv NG specifications
- The 5.5-tonne, twin-engine helicopter can carry up to 14 passengers and has an approximate range of 630 kilometres with a 20-minute reserve.
- Tejas technology
- The twin-seater includes a glass cockpit, digital avionics, quadruplex fly-by-wire controls, composite materials and relaxed static stability.
