Indian Air Force is set to receive around four to five the latest upgraded Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT) 36, now officially renamed ‘Yashas’.
Sources have confirmed to FinancialExpress.com on the sidelines of the ongoing Aero India 2025, “There is no official order placed by IAF for the upgraded machines. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will lease the trainer aircraft for IAF to use and once the end user is satisfied then there is a possibility of an order being placed.””
The renaming of the trainer took place at Aero India 2025, with Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (DP), unveiling the new name in the presence of Dr DK Sunil, CMD of HAL, and senior HAL officials. This marks a significant milestone in the progress of the aircraft, showcasing extensive upgrades to its performance and capabilities.
What are the new upgrades
The rebranding of the HJT-36 to ‘Yashas’ is a direct result of significant modifications to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities. These upgrades address key issues, including the aircraft’ departure characteristics and its resistance to spin throughout its operational envelope. The extensive modifications have raised the aircraft’s performance, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of modern military training.
During the unveiling ceremony, Dr DK Sunil, the CMD of HAL, elaborated on these improvements, stating, “The large-scale changes to the baseline intermediate training platform have led to significant upheaval in its capabilities, and this provided an opportunity for a new name to reflect the aircraft’s continued relevance as a training system for modern military aviation.”
Key Features and Performance Enhancements:
The new version of ‘Sitara’ which has been renamed as `Yashas’ is now equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to improve training efficiency and operational effectiveness.
The aircraft has been upgraded with state-of-the-art avionics and an ultra-modern cockpit. These advancements ensure that the aircraft can provide improved weight management while addressing the obsolescence of imported components by integrating Indian Line Replaceable Units (LRUs).
According to HAL officials the updated Yashas is fully equipped for Stage II pilot training, which includes a variety of specialized operations such as counter-insurgency, counter-surface force operations, and armament training. Its capabilities extend to aerobatics and armament carriage, supporting up to 1,000 kg of payload.
An important enhancement is the integration of the FADEC-controlled AL55I Jet engine, which offers a best-in-class thrust-to-weight ratio, optimized thrust management, and high reliability. Additionally, the aircraft boasts a stepped-up rear cockpit with a drooped nose, providing improved all-around vision and enhanced situational awareness.
Modernized Cockpit:
The Yashas also features a state-of-the-art glass cockpit, equipped with multi-functional displays (MFDs) and a heads-up display (HUD). These modern cockpit upgrades enhance the pilot’s ability to monitor flight data and perform complex manoeuvres with greater precision, reinforcing the aircraft’s role in advanced training programs.
Future Prospects:
Beyond its training capabilities, the Yashas is also designed for operational efficiency. Its single-point ground refuelling and defueling capabilities further enhance its readiness for a variety of mission profiles. With its upgraded design and features, Yashas stands as a powerful asset to India’s defence training infrastructure and is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of military aviation training.
As HAL continues to refine and enhance the ‘Yashas’ the aircraft is poised to remain a cornerstone in the training of India’s military pilots, supporting both national defence needs and the continued advancement of India’s aviation capabilities.