For the purpose of thoroughly assessing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Stage-II pilot training needs, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has consented to lease 12 Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) Yashas Stage-II aircraft.
This leasing is a major step towards operationalizing and certifying the updated Yashas platform, which is intended to replace the IAF’s antiquated HJT-16 Kiran intermediate aircraft.
The long-delayed HJT-36 Sitara project, which had several technical issues, including troublesome spin recovery and handling characteristics, was updated into the Yashas Stage-II. The aircraft now has a completely updated glass cockpit, enhanced aerodynamic stability, and fixes for previous performance issues that delayed the introduction of this domestic trainer for more than 20 years thanks to significant design and avionics changes.
The Yashas is a subsonic Stage-II intermediate jet trainer that bridges the critical gap between sophisticated lead-in fighter trainers like the BAE Hawk 132 and Stage-I basic propeller trainers like the Pilatus PC-7. In order to prepare recently qualified pilots for frontline fighter aircraft such as the TEJAS MK-1A, Rafale, and Su-30MKI, this training bridge is crucial.
The leasing program from HAL is a component of a larger plan to complete the trainer’s certification and validate its operational suitability with the IAF.
Before committing to large-scale procurement, the Air Force will be able to thoroughly evaluate the trainer’s handling, avionics, safety, and training efficacy under actual operational situations thanks to the evaluation period involving these 12 aircraft. In order to phase out the Kiran jets, HAL plans to deliver 85 aircraft by 2030, when the IAF is anticipated to make a final procurement decision.
By lowering reliance on foreign training aircraft, the leasing agreement also supports India’s larger defense indigenization objectives. In 2025, HAL will rename the HJT-36 from Sitara to Yashas, signifying the platform’s revitalization and preparedness to function as the foundation of India’s pilot training ecosystem.
In order to satisfy operational needs and possible export demand, the Yashas will also be further developed into a flexible light-attack jet form.
An important step in filling intermediate training gaps, improving pilot advancement, and bolstering India’s domestic aerospace production capacity has been taken with the leasing of 12 IJT Yashas Stage-II aircraft to the IAF. The evaluation’s findings will influence India’s air force training facilities and pilot preparedness for cutting-edge combat aircraft in the future.