Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to unveil the first HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) later this year, marking a pivotal step in India’s efforts to develop indigenous aircraft capabilities. D.K. Sunil, HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director, has confirmed that the initial delivery of the aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) is scheduled for September 2025, with further inductions anticipated in subsequent years.
The HTT-40, developed by HAL’s Aircraft Research and Design Centre, aims to fulfill the IAF’s pressing demand for a contemporary and reliable training platform designed specifically for Stage I basic flight training. This new aircraft is expected to phase out older training models, such as the HPT-32 Deepak, and provide a more economical and effective solution for pilot education.
The HTT-40 garnered significant attention following its successful flypast at Aero India 2025, sparking interest both within India and internationally. HAL has noted an increase in inquiries from foreign customers intrigued by the aircraft’s features, which highlights its potential for export.
Sunil expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase the HTT-40 to potential international buyers in the near future. This initiative is in line with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign, which promotes self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing and seeks to establish Indian firms as competitive entities in the global aerospace sector.
Production of the HTT-40 is currently underway at HAL’s facilities in Bangalore and Nashik. The program is not only expected to fortify India’s military aviation training infrastructure but also to pave the way for new prospects in the international defense export market.
