Bengaluru: 

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has renamed its flagship jet training aircraft, the Hindustan Jet Trainer (HJT-36), as ‘Yashas’ following extensive modifications to improve departure characteristics and spin resistance across the flight envelope.

Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), unveiled the new name in the presence of Dr D K Sunil, Chairman & Managing Director of HAL, and senior officials at Aero India 2025 on Monday.

"The large-scale enhancements to the baseline intermediate training platform have significantly improved its capabilities, warranting a new name to reflect its continued relevance in modern military aviation training. In light of this, the HJT-36 has been renamed 'Yashas'," said Dr D K Sunil.

'Yashas' is designed for Stage II pilot training, counter-insurgency and counter-surface force operations, armament training, and aerobatics. It is powered by a FADEC-controlled AL-55I jet engine, offering an optimal thrust-to-weight ratio, improved thrust management, and high reliability, Sunil said.

To prepare the aircraft for induction, it has been upgraded with state-of-the-art avionics and an ultra-modern cockpit, enhancing training effectiveness and operational efficiency while reducing weight and replacing obsolete imported components with indigenous Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), he added.

A stepped-up rear cockpit and drooped nose provide excellent all-around visibility, enhancing situational awareness. The aircraft features a state-of-the-art glass cockpit with Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and a Head-Up Display (HUD). Key capabilities include stall and spin recovery, aerobatics, armament carriage up to 1,000 kg, and single-point ground refuelling and defueling, he added.

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