Indian Air Force launches search for 150 next-gen jet trainers
The IAF has opened a request for information to acquire 150 advanced jet trainers to replace its Hawk Mk-132 fleet, with proposals due by early October.
The Indian Air Force announced a procurement drive for 150 advanced jet trainers to supplant its aging Hawk Mk-132 fleet. One outlet seeking technical and capability details from worldwide manufacturers must be answered by October 5, after which a detailed RFP will be released in December 2027 and the aircraft are unlikely to enter service before the 2030s. These Stage-III trainers will bridge the gap between intermediate platforms like the HTT-40 and frontline fighters such as the Tejas, Rafale and Su-30MKI.
The IAF’s current fighter squadron strength sits at 29 against a sanctioned 42.5, prompting a need for a larger training pipeline as newer types like the Tejas Mk-2 and the fifth-generation AMCA are slated for induction. Past safety analyses linked a shortage of advanced trainers to a high rate of human-error crashes, underscoring the urgency of the program. Candidates under consideration include the Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk, Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master, KAI T-50 Golden Eagle and HAL’s HLFT-42 concept. The specifications call for fly-by-wire, glass cockpits, integrated navigation, zero-zero ejection seats and sophisticated simulation capabilities.
Why it matters
Modern trainers are essential for safely preparing pilots for India's expanding fleet of advanced combat aircraft.
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