IAF Moves to Acquire 150 Next-Generation Jet Trainers to Replace Hawk Fleet

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has begun the process of acquiring around 150 next-generation advanced jet trainers as part of a major effort to modernise its fighter-pilot training system. The proposed aircraft will serve as Stage-III trainers, the final stage of training before pilots move to operational fighter squadrons. The programme is also intended to gradually replace the IAF’s ageing Hawk Mk-132 fleet, which has been performing the advanced training role for nearly two decades.

The Ministry of Defence has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather details from potential Indian and international manufacturers. The requirement covers approximately 150 aircraft along with advanced training and simulation equipment. The RFI is the initial stage of the procurement process, with the eventual Request for Proposal (RFP) tentatively expected in December 2027.

The new aircraft are expected to play an important role in preparing pilots for the increasingly sophisticated combat aircraft operated and planned by the IAF. During Stage-III training, pilots need to become familiar with advanced avionics, airborne radar, electronic warfare systems, air-to-air combat and beyond-visual-range weapon concepts before transitioning to frontline platforms such as the Tejas, Rafale and Su-30MKI, and eventually future aircraft such as the AMCA.

A major feature of the new programme is its emphasis on integrated simulation and Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) training. The proposed training architecture is expected to connect aircraft, simulators and scenario-generation systems through data links, allowing pilots to practise complex air-to-air and air-to-ground missions in a networked environment. The requirement also includes high-fidelity Full Mission Simulators capable of replicating complete sorties, emergency procedures and combat scenarios.

The aircraft themselves are expected to be significantly more advanced than the existing Hawk Mk-132. Requirements reported for the programme include fly-by-wire flight controls, a glass cockpit, hands-on-throttle-and-stick controls, modern navigation systems and zero-zero ejection seats. The aircraft are also expected to incorporate safety features that can help pilots recover from potentially dangerous departures from controlled flight.

The programme could also create a major opportunity for India’s aerospace industry. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has proposed the indigenous HLFT-42 supersonic lead-in fighter trainer, while international manufacturers that could potentially participate include Leonardo with the M-346 Master, Korea Aerospace Industries with the T-50 Golden Eagle, Boeing with the T-7A Red Hawk and Yakovlev with the Yak-130.

The IAF’s requirement comes at a time when India is expanding and modernising its combat-aircraft fleet. A more capable advanced trainer would allow pilots to develop skills closer to those required by modern fighter aircraft without putting expensive frontline platforms through routine training missions.

According to the current procurement timeline, the RFP is tentatively planned for December 2027, while the selected manufacturer would be required to complete deliveries within 60 months of the contract becoming effective. This means the first aircraft are unlikely to enter IAF service immediately and the programme is expected to remain a long-term modernisation effort.

The acquisition of 150 next-generation trainers is therefore not simply a replacement programme for the Hawk fleet. It represents an effort to build a modern fighter-pilot training ecosystem capable of preparing IAF pilots for the demands of current and future air combat. With India’s combat aviation fleet becoming increasingly advanced, upgrading the training pipeline will be essential to ensuring that pilots are ready to operate the next generation of Indian air power.