Aero India 2025: HAL's flagship jet training aircraft gets a new name, 'Yashas'. See photos

Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (DP) unveiled the new name in the presence of Dr D K Sunil, CMD, HAL and senior officers.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) flagship jet training aircraft was unveiled with a new name after major modifications to resolve departure characteristics and spin resistance throughout the aircraft envelope. The HJT-36 has now been renamed as 'Yashas' and was displayed at the ongoing Aero India event in Bengaluru.

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 a best-in-class thrust-to-weight ratio, optimised thrust management and reliability. The Stepped-up Rear cockpit with a Drooped Nose provides excellent all-around Vision and Enhanced situational awareness with State-of-the-Art Glass Cockpit with MFDs and HUD. The capabilities of HJT-36 are stall and spin, aerobatics, armament carriage up to 1000kg, single-point ground refuelling and refuelling.

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Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (DP) unveiled the new name in the presence of Dr D K Sunil, CMD, HAL and senior officers.

“The large-scale changes to the baseline intermediate training platform has led to significant upheaval in its capabilities & 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," said Dr DK Sunil.

The aircraft was recently upgraded for induction into service with state-of-the-art avionics and an ultra-modern cockpit.

The flagship jet training aircraft of HAL, Hindustan Jet Trainer, HJT-36, is now renamed as Yashas after extensive modifications to resolve departure characteristics & spin resistance throughout the aircraft envelope. pic.twitter.com/T0ETEJBRTE

HAL (@HALHQBLR) February 10, 2025

These will enhance training effectiveness and operational efficiency, whilst providing weight reduction and overcoming obsolescence of imported equipment with Indian LRUs.