The Indian Air Force is preparing to purchase new Stage-III Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft to strengthen its pilot training capability. The new aircraft will not replace the Hawk 132, but will be added to the existing fleet as additional capacity.
Tezzbuzz Desk – Indian Air Force has started the process of purchasing new Stage-III advanced jet trainer aircraft. According to sources, the Defense Ministry has issued RFI i.e. Request for Information in this regard. The purpose of this purchase is to further strengthen the pilot training capability of the Air Force.
The new trainer aircraft will not replace the existing Hawk 132. These will be included in the Air Force fleet as additional capacity along with Hawk 132. According to the information, companies have to submit their bids for this project in November 2026.
Planes will have to be delivered in 60 months
Under the project, the aircraft will have to be delivered within 60 months after getting the contract. At the same time, RFP i.e. Request for Proposal for this procurement is likely to be issued in December 2027.
Indian government company HAL will also participate in this race. HAL can stake claim with its HLFT-42 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft. This aircraft weighing about 16.5 tonnes is inspired by the technical design of Tejas fighter jet. HAL plans to present its scale model at Aero India 2027.
Foreign companies can also enter this competition. Italy's Leonardo company can introduce M-346 trainer aircraft. This aircraft is already in use in the air forces of Italy, Singapore, Israel, Poland, Qatar and Greece.
Apart from this, T-50 aircraft are likely to be offered by South Korea's Korea Aerospace Industries, T-7A by America's Boeing and Yak-130 aircraft by Russia.
Why is a new trainer necessary for Tejas Mk-2 and AMCA?
The Indian Air Force wants to prepare pilots for future fighter aircraft. Two-seat training variants are not planned for the Tejas Mk-2 and fifth generation stealth fighter aircraft AMCA. In such a situation, the need for a new Stage-III jet trainer is being felt to provide advanced level training to the pilots before deployment on these modern fighter aircraft.
The arrival of the new trainer aircraft will help the Indian Air Force to better prepare pilots for the technology and flying challenges of modern fighter aircraft. This is expected to further increase the military capability of the country.