[4][5] The HTT-40 is a tandem seat trainer aircraft powered by a 1,100 hp (820 kW) turboprop engine.

[5] By the middle of 2012 the aircraft's future was in doubt as the Indian Air Force ordered 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk IIs to fill the role envisioned for the HTT-40.

An MoD official noted, "We would be willing to pay higher rates to build indigenous capability in strategic defence equipment.

]"[6][7][8] At that time HAL did not confirm the IAF announcement that it will not buy the HTT-40, nor did the company indicate whether the aircraft's development will be continued.

[9] Once the HTT-40 started flying, the Indian Air Force commander publicly stated that IAF will buy the HTT-40 in large numbers.

[2] The HTT-40 made its first public introduction flight on 17 June 2016, with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in attendance at the HAL airport in Bangalore.

[16] In July 2019 it was anticipated that initial operational clearance would be reached by end of 2019 and that, after placement of an order, the first aircraft would be delivered to the IAF within a year.

[17] An HTT-40 prototype demonstrated critical six-turn spin test capability in September and seeked final operational clearance.