The Indian government is preparing to acquire around 150 new jet trainers to modernize advanced pilot training within the Indian Air Force. A request for information has been issued as the service looks for a successor to its Hawk Mk 132 trainers, which have been used since 2008.The future aircraft will be responsible for preparing pilots to transition to frontline fighters such as the Rafale, Tejas Mk-1A, and Su-30MKI. They are also expected to support training requirements associated with India’s future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program.The proposed trainer must incorporate modern flight and mission systems. India’s requirements include fly-by-wire flight controls, glass cockpit displays, advanced ejection seats, and full-authority digital engine management. Embedded virtual avionics and electronic warfare capabilities are also expected.Another important requirement is integration with the indigenous NavIC navigation network. The aircraft must also be compatible with 360-degree dome-based simulators capable of combining live aircraft operations with virtual training environments.Industry responses are due by October 2026, while the formal request for proposals is expected to be issued in December 2027. Following contract award, the Air Force expects the complete fleet to be delivered within five years.Domestic manufacturing and technology transfer are expected to play an important role. Reported candidates include the HAL HLFT-42, Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk, KAI T-50 Golden Eagle, and Leonardo M-346 Master.The program fits into a broader Indian effort to expand and modernize military aviation. New Delhi is also participating in Europe’s Future Combat Air System initiative and is expanding domestic production of Airbus C-295 transport aircraft. Additional work is underway on aerial-refueling capabilities and electric-powered aircraft for military training.
