Fri May 23 16:10:20 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh reiterated the IAF’s commitment to self-reliance and emphasized the importance of indigenization projects like AMCA and LCA MK-II. He made these comments at the valedictory function of the 47th Flight Test Course at the IAF Test Pilot School in Bengaluru. He stressed the critical role of test flying and encouraged graduating officers to uphold core values. Several officers were awarded for their exceptional performance in the rigorous 48-week course.

**News Article:**

**IAF Chief Pushes for Self-Reliance at Flight Test Course Graduation in Bengaluru**

**Bengaluru, May 23, 2025** – Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, today reaffirmed the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) dedication to self-reliance in defense technology at the ceremonial valedictory function of the 47th Flight Test Course of the IAF Test Pilot School. The event took place at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in Bengaluru.

Air Chief Marshal Singh highlighted the significance of indigenous development projects like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and LCA MK-II as crucial steps towards achieving greater autonomy in the defense sector. He emphasized the vital, specialized role of flight testing, which demands the highest standards of professional competence, integrity, and dedication from its personnel. The Air Chief encouraged the graduating officers to maintain core values of precision and excellence throughout their careers.

During the ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Singh presented certificates to the graduating officers and awarded trophies recognizing outstanding performance. Squadron Leader S Bhardwaj received the prestigious Suranjan Das Trophy for best all-round student test pilot, while Squadron Leader Ajay Tripathi was awarded the Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for best student test pilot in flight evaluation. Squadron Leader Subhrajyoti Paul received The Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword, for best all round student flight test engineer, Wing Commander Ashwini Singh was awarded the Dunlop Trophy, for best student test engineer in flight evaluation and Major Kaustubh Kunte was awarded the Kapil Bhargava Trophy, for the best student in ground subjects.

The rigorous 48-week Flight Test Course is a vital component of building India’s capacity for testing and developing cutting-edge aerial platforms and systems, contributing to the nation’s growing strength in aerospace and defense.

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