On December 6, 2025, the second Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) series production aircraft, designated TH-4002, successfully completed its maiden flight at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) newly commissioned facility in Nashik, Maharashtra. This event marks the first HTT-40 produced at Nashik, following the initial series aircraft TH-4001 from Bengaluru, and validates HAL’s transition to scalable serial production standards after extensive developmental testing. The tandem-seat turboprop trainer, powered by a 1100 hp Honeywell TPE331-12B engine, supports the Indian Air Force’s ab-initio pilot training needs—including aerobatics, instrument flying, navigation, night operations, and close formations—replacing ageing HPT-32 Deepak fleets while advancing Atmanirbhar Bharat in aerospace manufacturing. Deliveries to the IAF are slated to commence by early 2026, strengthening India’s indigenous defense aviation capabilities.