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.

Taxiing out at midday for its display during Aero India 2025. Renamed Yashas from Sitara, the indigenous Stage-II jet trainer has been resurrected after several aerodynamic modifications to fix spin recovery issues. Intended as a replacement for the HJT-16 Kiran II, it will help pilots transition from the PC-7 Mk. II to the Hawk Mk. 132. The intermediate trainer comes with a glass cockpit, HUD, mission computer, VACS and improved visibility. It is now powered by a FADEC-controlled 17.27 kN NPO Saturn AL-55I turbofan with auto relight that replaces the 14.12 kN SNECMA Larzac 04-H-20 engine.

The HJT-36 is the fruit of the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) programme, 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 tail of the aircraft had to be redesigned in the process. This example took part in the flying display of Aeroindia 2025.

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.

Written off in a non fatal accident 28 April 2011