India's state-owned aerospace and defence company, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is reportedly evaluating a proposal to transform its HJT-36 Yashas intermediate jet trainer into a light attack aircraft.
This initiative is aimed at capturing a share of the international market, particularly targeting nations seeking affordable combat solutions for specific security challenges.
The potential conversion is driven by a growing global demand for cost-effective military aircraft. Many countries require jets capable of performing duties such as counter-insurgency, border surveillance, and counter-terrorism operations.
These missions are often conducted in uncontested airspace where advanced and expensive multirole fighters are not necessary, creating a niche for versatile and economical light attack platforms.
The HJT-36 Yashas, originally developed as a Stage-II trainer for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to succeed the vintage HJT-16 Kiran fleet, possesses foundational characteristics suitable for a combat role.
The aircraft is designed with five hardpoints—one on the central fuselage and two under each wing—which can carry a combined payload of up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). This existing infrastructure provides a viable starting point for armament integration.
For its potential light attack and air defence role, the modified Yashas could be armed with short-range, heat-seeking air-to-air missiles like the European ASRAAM or the Russian-origin R-73.
However, the aircraft faces a significant technical limitation.
The HJT-36’s current nose cone design is considered too compact to house a modern fire-control radar with substantial range. This constraint would limit its effectiveness with beyond-visual-range, radar-guided missiles, requiring innovative engineering to overcome.
Despite the export potential, HAL's immediate priority remains the successful induction of the HJT-36 Yashas into the IAF as a trainer.
The program, which has faced developmental delays in the past, recently achieved crucial milestones, including demonstrating stall and spin recovery characteristics.
The company is focused on completing all trials, securing certification, and beginning the replacement of the IAF's aging Kiran trainers before dedicating significant resources to developing the light attack variant for export.
Analysts suggest that the commercial success of an armed Yashas variant on the global stage is contingent on the trainer's performance and timely production.
Establishing a reliable production line and demonstrating the aircraft's capabilities with the IAF will be critical in attracting international customers in a competitive market that includes established platforms from other nations.
