India's prestigious Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) on Friday successfully completed its inaugural flight at the HAL Airport in Bangalore.
Defence Minister George Fernandes, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy, scientific advisor to the defence ministry V K Atre and HAL chairman N R Mohanty were present on the momentous occasion.
HAL's chief test pilot Squadron Leader Baldev Singh took to skies at 1003 IST, made few manoeuvres, including a formation with the Kiran trainer aircraft, and landed successfully at 1030 IST.
The IJT is expected to replace the ageing Kiran aircraft. It had its maiden flight on March 7.