Mock-up on display at the HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum, Bangalore. HAL's intermediate jet trainer Sitara (Hindi: star) first flew on 7 March 2003 with the SNECMA Larzac 14.1 kN turbofan, which was later upgraded to the NPO Saturn AL-551 turbofan developing 16.9 kN thrust. Sixteen limited series production aircraft were built. The IAF placed an initial order for 73 aircraft which was cancelled due to stall and spin characteristics, leading to redesign.

The excellent HAL Museum in Bangalore shows the history of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, the Indian aircraft manufacturer. The HJT-36 is the fruit of the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) programme (as can be read on the nose), aimed to replace the HJT-16 Kiran with the Indian Air Force. The HJT-36 was officially named "Yashas" during Aeroindia 2025. The HJT-36 has a long development history and parts of the aircraft had to be redesigned. The replica shown here shows the old tail configuration.