The Indian Air Force’s Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) programme faces significant delays due to a British firm, Martin-Baker, failing to deliver crucial ejection seats, jeopardizing pilot training capabilities. Originally set to bolster the IAF’s training fleet by replacing the aging Pilatus PC-7, the programme’s timeline has slipped past the late 2025 target, leaving the IAF reliant on insufficient existing trainers. Supply chain issues have also affected American supplier Honeywell, compounding the situation. While HAL contemplates repurposing ejection seats from a shelved project, the delays hinder the IAF’s ramp-up to advanced combat aircraft like the Tejas Mk1A, showcasing the pressing need for self-reliance in defense manufacturing amid geopolitical challenges.