HAL Plans to Convert HJT-36 Yashas Trainer into Budget-Friendly Light Attack Jet for Export

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is working on a bold new plan — to transform its HJT-36 Yashas intermediate jet trainer into a light attack aircraft aimed at global defence markets looking for low-cost yet capable combat jets.

This move comes as many developing nations seek affordable alternatives to expensive fighter aircraft. Countries involved in counter-insurgency, border patrol, and internal security operations often don’t need high-end multirole jets. Instead, they want aircraft that are cheaper to operate, easier to maintain, and good enough to handle threats in low-intensity, uncontested airspace. That’s where the Yashas could fit in perfectly.

Originally designed to replace the ageing HJT-16 Kiran in the Indian Air Force’s Stage-II training program, the HJT-36 Yashas already has features that can be adapted for light combat duties. The aircraft has five external hardpoints — one on the fuselage and two under each wing — that can carry up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) of weapons and external stores. This makes it ideal for carrying a mix of rockets, bombs, and missiles needed for tactical missions.

To make it combat-ready, HAL plans to equip the modified Yashas with short-range air-to-air missiles, such as the European ASRAAM or the Russian R-73, giving it some capability for limited air defence as well. These weapons, combined with precision-guided munitions or even gun pods, would allow it to strike ground targets, provide close air support to troops, or defend airspace against slow-moving threats like drones or helicopters.

The Yashas is powered by a Russian AL-55I turbofan engine, which provides 3,800 kgf thrust, giving it respectable performance for its class. Its maximum speed is over 800 km/h, and its operational ceiling is well above 9,000 meters (29,500 feet), making it suitable for high-altitude missions.

What makes this project even more appealing is the cost factor. Compared to heavy jets like Su-30MKIs or Rafales, the Yashas would be significantly cheaper to manufacture, fly, and maintain, opening up export opportunities in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, where budget constraints limit access to high-end defence platforms.

HAL is not the first to explore such conversions. Countries like the U.S. have used aircraft like the A-29 Super Tucano and AT-6 Wolverine for similar light attack roles. HAL’s advantage lies in using an existing Indian-designed airframe and adding new capabilities without needing to build a new platform from scratch.

If successful, this upgrade could give India a strong foothold in the light combat aircraft market, and the HJT-36 Yashas could become a symbol of India’s growing defence manufacturing capability aimed at Make-in-India and export-driven growth. HAL is currently evaluating the technical and market feasibility, and more details are expected in the coming months as this idea progresses.

In a world looking for smarter, leaner, and more economical defence tools, HAL’s plan could hit the mark at just the right time.