Rafale, Tejas, AMCA trainee pilots need a new trainer: IAF starts hunt for Hawk replacement
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is seeking a successor for its BAe Hawk Mk-132 advanced jet trainers, issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for a new Stage-III (F) aircraft
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated the process to acquire new advanced jet trainers, aiming to replace its existing fleet of British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk Mk-132 aircraft. A Request for Information (RFI) has been sent to both domestic and international manufacturers for Stage-III (F) trainers, which serve as a critical bridge for pilots transitioning to highly sophisticated combat aircraft
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated the process to acquire new advanced jet trainers, aiming to replace its existing fleet of British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk Mk-132 aircraft. A Request for Information (RFI) has been sent to both domestic and international manufacturers for Stage-III (F) trainers, which serve as a critical bridge for pilots transitioning to highly sophisticated combat aircraft
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated the process to acquire new advanced jet trainers, aiming to replace its existing fleet of British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk Mk-132 aircraft. A Request for Information (RFI) has been sent to both domestic and international manufacturers for Stage-III (F) trainers, which serve as a critical bridge for pilots transitioning to highly sophisticated combat aircraft
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has started looking for a trainer aircraft to supplant its British Aerospace (BAe) Hawk Mk-132 advanced jet trainers, which have been in service since February 2008. The IAF has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Stage-III (F) trainers.
According to media reports, the RFI for "trainer aircraft for Stage-III (F) and associated equipment" has been issued to both domestic and global manufacturers.
Trainer aircraft are important for trainee IAF pilots as they provide the final bridge between basic flying operations and operating highly sophisticated aircraft like the Rafale, LCA Tejas, or even the upcoming fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). These aircraft help pilots acquire various skills, such as high-speed maneuvering, formation flying, weapons training, and handling complex aircraft systems in highly contested airspace.
The RFI seeks information from global and domestic players about the features and capabilities of their trainers by October 5, and the Request for Proposal (RFP) in this regard is expected in December 2027. Deliveries will begin in the mid-2030s.
Reports reveal that the trials of these aircraft will be held in India on a no-cost, no-commitment basis.
Global players will also have to show how much indigenous content can be incorporated and how much of the production can happen in India.
Media reports indicate that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited could be the main Indian bidder, while foreign contenders may include Boeing, Korea Aerospace Industries, and Leonardo’s M-346 Master. HAL’s proposed supersonic HLFT-42, whose scale model was showcased at Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru and pitched as a potential successor to the Hawk, hasn't yet reached the design review stage.
The RFI specifies a fly-by-wire flight control system, a glass cockpit with customisable hands-on-throttle-and-stick controls, and a navigation suite combining India's NavIC with GPS and GLONASS.
It also requires zero-zero ejection seats, resistance to departure from controlled flight, and an automatic recovery capability that can return the aircraft to stable flight when the pilot lets go of the controls.