Bengaluru: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya took a sortie in the HTT-40, an indigenously developed trainer aircraft manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru. During his flight, Surya expressed pride in India’s aerospace advancements, highlighting the HTT-40 as a testament to the country’s growing aeronautical capabilities. “Today, I had the opportunity to fly in HTT-40, an indigenously built trainer aircraft produced by our own HAL… It is a symbol of India’s aeronautical prowess,” Surya said, highlighting the significance of the aircraft.
He also took a swipe at the previous UPA government, citing the controversy surrounding the procurement of trainer jets from a Swiss company in 2012. “This procurement was riddled with questions. In 2019, a CBI inquiry proved that there was involvement of middlemen… The investigation led to the blacklisting of this Swiss company,” he pointed out.
VIDEO | Aero India 2025: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) takes a sortie in HTT-40 trainer aircraft in Bengaluru.
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/RKgcp4NZVY
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 13, 2025
‘Modi’s leadership revives programme’
He credited the turnaround to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the efforts of former Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. “After 2014, with the support of PM Modi and the guidance of Manohar Parrikar, HAL received the necessary financial backing and encouragement to restart the indigenous trainer jet programme,” Surya said.
He also spoke of the HTT-40’s potential to meet global demand. “The HTT-40 is not only a symbol of India’s self-reliance but also has the potential to be converted into a low-cost combat aircraft. Countries in the Global South and Southeast Asia are already expressing interest in acquiring HAL-manufactured aircraft for their defense needs,” Surya said.
Aero India 2025
Aero India 2025 is taking place at Yelahanka Air Force Station from February 10-14, 2025. The exhibition will be open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, featuring two air shows each day—one in the morning and another in the afternoon. To ensure safety, strict security protocols have been implemented. All visitors must present a valid government-issued ID for verification. Attendees are also required to follow the specified route indicated on their pass’s QR code.
