The Indian Air Force (IAF) has asked the state-owned firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to stop its efforts to produce the HAL HJT-36 Sitara Intermediate Jet Trainers (IJT). Apparently the IAF has now lost its patience with HAL on this project. The HJT-36 was to be inducted in the IAF this year but the jet is still in its test phase and there are issues related to the specifications. It has been under development since 1997 but there is no date for final operational clearance is in sight. Clearly this made the IAF’s frustration soar.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited asked to stop with HJT-36
S-3466 pictured at Aero India 2011 (Pieter Stroobach)