HAL to Provide Upgraded HJT-36 Yashas Jets to Indian Air Force for Training Evaluation

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is preparing to lease four enhanced HJT-36 'Yashas' intermediate jet trainers to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This initiative aims to revitalize the long-stalled program and position the aircraft as a crucial element in India's pilot training framework.

HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil, in a conversation with Flightglobal, stated that significant modifications have resolved the developmental challenges that affected the aircraft for more than twenty years. Initially designated as 'Sitara,' the HJT-36 encountered numerous delays due to challenges with spin recovery and departure characteristics. The aircraft, now relaunched as 'Yashas,' boasts substantial design and avionics improvements.

The Yashas includes a fully updated glass cockpit while maintaining its AL-55I engine, enhancing pilot interface and situational awareness. It is intended to bridge the gap between basic trainers like the HAL HPT-32 Deepak and more advanced platforms such as the BAE Systems Hawk 132.

HAL intends to lease four refurbished jets from a batch of 12 limited-series production aircraft to the IAF for evaluation purposes. These leased jets will possess all the latest improvements designed to address prior performance issues.

The IAF's cautious interest arises as its existing fleet of HJT-16 Kiran intermediate trainers approaches retirement. The Yashas is set to replace the Kiran, providing a smoother and more progressive learning curve for trainee pilots progressing from propeller-driven aircraft to high-performance fighter jets like the Tejas, Su-30 MKI, and Rafale.

Sunil highlighted the significance of the Yashas in India's pilot training program, noting, “We’ve resolved the spin problems and upgraded to a complete glass cockpit. It’s now a highly capable jet, and we anticipate it becoming a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force in the future,” he stated.

If the preliminary evaluation proves successful, the IAF may issue substantial orders for the Yashas, providing a significant boost to HAL and reinforcing India's commitment to indigenous defense production.