Aero India 2025: HAL trainer aircraft HJT-36 renamed Yashas

HAL's HJT-36, now named Yashas, undergoes upgrades for enhanced training capabilities and operational efficiency in modern military aviation.

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Hindustan Jet Trainer HJT-36 was renamed as ‘Yashas’ on the inaugural day of the Aero India. The aircraft was earlier called Sitara. 

The defence PSU said that the trainer has undergone extensive modifications to resolve departure characteristics and spin resistance throughout the aircraft envelope.

“The large-scale changes to the baseline intermediate training platform has led to significant upheaval in its capabilities and hence provided an opportunity for a new name to be given in accordance with the aircraft’s continued relevance as a training system for modern military aviation. In light of this, HJT-36 is named Yashas”, said Dr D K Sunil, chairman and managing director, HAL.

For induction into service, the aircraft was recently upgraded with state-of-the-art avionics and an ultra-modern cockpit. These will enhance training effectiveness and operational efficiency, whilst providing weight reduction and overcoming obsolescence of imported equipment with Indian Line Replaceable Unit (LRUs).

HAL said that Yashas is capable of Stage II pilot training, counter insurgency and counter surface force operations, armament training, aerobatics etc.

“It is powered by a FADEC controlled AL55I Jet engine, providing best-in-class thrust to weight ratio, optimised thrust management and reliability. Stepped up rear cockpit with drooped nose provides excellent all-around vision and enhanced situational awareness with State-of-the-Art Glass Cockpit with Multi Function Display’s (MFDs) and Heads Up Display (HUD),” HAL said.

It added that the capabilities of HJT-36 are stall and spin, aerobatics, armament carriage up to 1000kg, single point ground refueling and defueling.