Jharsuguda- The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially kicked off its hunt for a next-generation advanced jet trainer, issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to acquire 150 modern aircraft.The mega-tender marks the first stage in replacing the IAF’s aging fleet of British-origin Hawk Mk-132 trainers The upcoming aircraft will serve as ‘Stage-III’ trainers. This represents the critical final link in the military training chain before rookie pilots are assigned to operational fighter squadrons According to the RFI, these next-gen jets will feature advanced cockpits to familiarise trainees with:Airborne radar systemsElectronic warfare (EW) suitesBeyond-Visual-Range (BVR) missile operationsThis high-tech training ensures a seamless transition for pilots graduating to India’s frontline fighter fleet, including the Sukhoi-30MKI, Rafale, and LCA Tejas, as well as the upcoming 5th-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The multi-billion-dollar contest is open to both domestic and international aerospace manufacturers. However, global bidders face stringent conditions. Foreign vendors must explicitly demonstrate how much production, technology transfer, and supply chain infrastructure they will bring to Indian soil under local manufacturing mandates.The defense acquisition will follow a strict roadmap:December 2027: Tentative issuance of the formal Request for Proposal (RFP) for technical and commercial bids.60 Months: Full aircraft deliveries must be completed within five years of signing the final contract.Even if the defense ministry maintains this aggressive schedule, defense analysts note that the first next-generation trainer is unlikely to arrive at an IAF flying training base until the early 2030s.
