Following the unveiling of indigenous basic trainer aircraft—Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40)—by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the DefExpo 2022 on 19 October;

Sourabh Banik, Defense Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:

“HTT-40 is expected to cater to the domestic requirements with focus on export markets in the long-run. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), HTT-40 will see Indian Air Force (IAF) as its first customer with a likely order commitment of 70 initial units.

“Although HTT-40 aircraft has made several public appearances in the past, its formal unveiling at DefExpo 2022 indicates the intent of Indian authorities to grab the attention of foreign delegates attending the five-day event starting on 18 October 2022.

“The India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) was held on the side-lines of the DefExpo, which was attended by delegates of 50 African countries comprising of Defence Ministers, Service Chiefs and Permanent Secretaries. These delegates are the primary target audience of India’s push for showcasing its various domestic defense products, including the HTT-40 basic trainer.

“According to GlobalData’s report, “Military Fixed-Wing Aircraft Market Forecast, 2022-2032,” Africa will cumulatively spend more than $2.3 billion between 2022 and 2032 for procuring various categories of trainer aircrafts. Indian aircraft manufacturers such as HAL intend to compete with other global players to capitalise on this opportunity.”