About

• HTT-40 (Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40) is a new basic training aircraft being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). 
• The new aircraft will replace the ageing fleet of HAL HPT-32 Deepak trainers that are in service with the IAF.
• The aircraft will be primarily used for basic flight training, aerobatics, instrument flying and close-formation flights, whereas its secondary roles will include navigation and night-flying.

Why in News?

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved defence procurements worth ₹8,722.38 crore, including 106 HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft (BTA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

News in Detail

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has successfully developed HTT-40 prototypes and the certification process is underway.
• The DAC also approved the procurement of an upgraded version of Super Rapid Gun Mount (SRGM), which is fitted as the main gun onboard Navy and Coast Guard warships from Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). 
• The upgraded version of SRGM has enhanced capability to perform against fast manoeuvring targets such as missiles and fast attack crafts and increase the maximum engagement range.
• In addition, the DAC approved procurement of 125 mm APFSDS (Armour Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding Sabot) ammunition for the Army as a ‘design and development Case’. 
• The ammunition being procured will have a 70% indigenous content.

Reference:

1. https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/hal-htt-40-trainer-aircraft/
2. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/dac-approves-deals-worth-872238-cr/article32328348.ece