Hindustan Aeronautics shares gain 1% as first HTT-40 trainer aircraft set for IAF delivery

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing to hand over the first batch of delayed HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF), a move expected to strengthen the force’s ability to meet its pilot training requirements.

According to the media reports, three HTT-40, or Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40, aircraft have been cleared for delivery, with two manufactured at HAL’s Bengaluru facility and the third produced in Nashik, the officials said.

HAL’s shares rise by 1.24% post announcement 

At 10:15 am on Monday, shares of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) were trading at ₹4,910 on the Bombay Stock Exchange, marking a 1.24% rise from the previous close of ₹4,850. 

The stock opened at ₹4,894.35 and touched a high of ₹4,910. The stock’s volume-weighted average price (VWAP) was ₹4,880.87. The broader market was trading under pressure on Monday amid geopolitical concerns. 

Why is HAL's HTT-40 delivery delayed? 

The IAF had placed an order for 70 HTT-40 aircraft worth ₹6,838 crore around three years ago for training pilots at the initial stage of their flying careers. HAL was scheduled to supply 12 aircraft during fiscal 2025-26 but could not deliver any due to delays in the availability of engines.

The supply situation has since improved, with US-based Honeywell delivering the first consignment of TPE331-12B turboprop engines a few months ago after addressing supply chain constraints. The company has also committed to maintaining timely deliveries to HAL.

The engine supply arrangement is part of a $100-million contract signed four years ago for 88 TPE331-12B engines and kits. Honeywell was originally expected to provide the first engine in September 2025. Under the arrangement, 16 engines will be supplied directly by the US company, while HAL will manufacture the remaining units under a technology transfer agreement.

HAL expands HTT-40 production capacity

In October last year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated dedicated manufacturing lines for the HTT-40 and LCA-Mk1A at HAL’s Nashik facility. The expansion is aimed at supporting the IAF’s requirements and increasing domestic aircraft production.

With production facilities in Bengaluru and Nashik, HAL currently has the capacity to manufacture up to 20 HTT-40 aircraft annually.

The HTT-40 is intended to strengthen the IAF’s basic flying training infrastructure. At present, rookie pilots undergo ab initio, or Stage-I, flying training on the Swiss-origin Pilatus PC-7 MkII aircraft.

Stage-I training is common for pilots before they are divided into fighter, transport and helicopter streams. Pilots selected for the fighter stream subsequently undergo Stage-II training on the PC-7 MkII and Kiran Mk-1A jet trainers, before moving to Stage-III training on the British-origin Hawk advanced jet trainer.