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In Bengaluru on 18 September 2026, HAL handed over two LCA Tejas FOC twin-seat trainers and three HTT-40 basic trainers to the IAF, and four Dhruv NG civil helicopters to Pawan Hans Limited.
The two Tejas trainers are the last aircraft due under the FOC contract.
The HTT-40 replaces imported basic trainers; 70 were ordered in March 2023, but deliveries slipped because of delays in Honeywell engine supply.
Dhruv NG, the DGCA-certified civil version of the Dhruv helicopter, is HAL's entry into commercial helicopters.
| Aspect | Tejas FOC twin-seat trainer | HTT-40 | Dhruv NG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Light combat aircraft, trainer variant | Basic trainer, turboprop | Light twin-engine multi-role helicopter |
| User | Indian Air Force | Indian Air Force | Pawan Hans Limited (civil) |
| Contract | FOC contract of 23 December 2010: 20 aircraft (16 fighters + 4 trainers); IOC contract of 31 March 2006 also for 20 | March 2023: 70 aircraft, about Rs 6,800 crore, with simulators and training aids | HAL-Pawan Hans contract; first four delivered |
| Key fact | All 16 FOC fighters delivered in 2022-23; these two trainers close the FOC order | Honeywell TPE331-12B engine: deal of 27 July 2022 for 88 engines — first 16 from the US, rest built by HAL under technology transfer | Certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) |
IOC clears an aircraft for service with a basic envelope. FOC adds full combat capability; for Tejas Mk1 it added beyond-visual-range missiles, air-to-air refuelling and more weapons. FOC was declared on 20 February 2019.
Defence PSU under the Department of Defence Production; granted Maharatna status on 12 October 2024 as the 14th Maharatna CPSE
Government-owned helicopter operator; incorporated 15 October 1985 as Helicopter Corporation of India; Government of India 51%, ONGC 49% (since 2010)
Civil aviation regulator that certified the Dhruv NG for civil operations
GS Paper 3 > Security > Indigenisation of Defence Technology
General Knowledge > Defence Current Affairs
Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40, HAL's indigenous turboprop basic trainer
Final Operational Clearance — full combat capability certification
Next Generation civil variant of HAL's Dhruv helicopter