SOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is breathing new life into its long-delayed HJT-36 intermediate jet trainer program, now rebranded as the ‘Yashas,’ according to HAL Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil. Speaking to Flightglobal, Sunil outlined significant progress in addressing the aircraft’s longstanding challenges, positioning it as a critical asset for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to bridge the gap between basic and advanced pilot training. With extensive modifications and a renewed focus, the Yashas is set to become a cornerstone of the IAF’s training ecosystem.
The HJT-36, previously known as the ‘Sitara,’ has faced over two decades of developmental setbacks, including issues with spin resistance and departure characteristics. In February 2025, HAL relaunched the program as the ‘Yashas,’ incorporating significant upgrades to resolve these challenges. “We’ve made extensive modifications to the aircraft to resolve departure characteristics and spin resistance throughout the aircraft envelope,” Sunil told Flightglobal.
These enhancements include a fully upgraded glass cockpit, improving pilot interface and situational awareness. Powered by a single AL-55I engine, the HJT-36 Yashas is designed to serve as an intermediate jet trainer, filling the critical niche between basic trainers like the HAL HPT-32 Deepak and advanced jet trainers such as the BAE Systems Hawk 132, which HAL produces under license. The aircraft’s modernized design aims to provide a smoother transition for trainee pilots, addressing the “big jump” Sunil described when moving from turboprop trainers to advanced jet trainers.
The IAF has agreed to evaluate the HJT-36 Yashas by leasing four upgraded examples, drawn from a pool of 12 existing limited-series production jets. These aircraft have been retrofitted with the latest modifications, including the glass cockpit and enhanced spin recovery capabilities. “They’re still very cautious, but now they’ve seen that we’ve upgraded it with a full glass cockpit, and we fixed the problems we had with the spin,” Sunil noted. This cautious optimism from the IAF reflects confidence in HAL’s ability to deliver a reliable and capable platform.
The evaluation of these four jets will be a critical test for the Yashas, as the IAF seeks to replace its ageing fleet of HJT-16 Kiran intermediate jet trainers, which have served for decades but are now nearing the end of their operational life. The Yashas, with its modern systems and improved performance, is positioned to fill this gap, offering a cost-effective and indigenous solution for pilot training.
The HJT-36 Yashas is designed to streamline the IAF’s pilot training pipeline, ensuring that new pilots are better prepared for the complexities of advanced jet trainers and frontline combat aircraft like the Tejas, Su-30 MKI, and Rafale. The transition from turboprop trainers to advanced jets like the Hawk 132 has historically been challenging for trainees due to the significant differences in performance and handling. The Yashas, with its intermediate capabilities, aims to bridge this gap, providing a more gradual and effective training progression.
“It’s a very capable jet now that the problems are fixed, and we expect that in the coming years it will definitely become the mainstay of the Indian Air Force,” Sunil said, expressing confidence in the aircraft’s potential. If the IAF’s evaluation proves successful, the Yashas could see significant orders, further strengthening HAL’s role in supporting India’s defence training infrastructure.
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