HAL's Intermediate Jet Trainer flies again after extensive re-design

The IJT would seemlessly replace a fleet of obsolescent Kiran Mark I and II trainers that are already on borrowed time

After its success in developing a basic trainer aircraft, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Wednesday flew its Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) after an extensive redesign that took almost three years.

“The flight was flawless and its success is an important step in the IJT programme”, announced HAL on Thursday. 

The success of the IJT – also called the Hindustan Jet Trainer – 36, or the Sitara – is crucial for both HAL and the Indian Air Force (IAF). For  cash-strapped HAL, building 73 IJTs  will mean business worth Rs 5,000 crore.

The IJT would seemlessly replace a fleet of obsolescent