The Indian Air Force (IAF) is facing a critical shortage of basic trainer aircraft as delays in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) HTT-40 program continue, primarily due to ejection seat supply issues with a British supplier. This setback exacerbates the IAF’s pilot training challenges amid its expansion to 42 squadrons. While HAL considers repurposing surplus ejection seats from the unsuccessful Intermediate Jet Trainer program, compatibility concerns remain. Despite ongoing flight testing for the HTT-40, the maiden flight of the production variant has been delayed, disrupting the training pipeline that is essential for integrating advanced platforms like the Tejas Mk1A. This situation underscores the urgency for self-reliance in India’s defense aviation sector, as reliance on outdated trainers may hinder operational readiness.