The Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated the process to replace its fleet of Hawk Mk-132 advanced jet trainers, seeking approximately 150 new Stage-III (F) trainer aircraft. The Stage-III (F) designation represents the final aircraft in the service's flying-training pipeline before student pilots transition to frontline operational fighters such as the Rafale, Tejas, and future combat aircraft.
To begin the procurement process, the Indian Air Force has issued an official Request for Information (RFI) to both domestic and international aircraft manufacturers, setting a submission deadline of October 5. Following the submission of manufacturer responses, evaluation flight trials will be conducted within India on a no-cost and no-commitment basis for the military service.
The Hawk Mk-132 aircraft has occupied the Indian Air Force's advanced jet training slot since 2008. India previously contracted for a total of 106 Hawk trainers across two separate procurement batches, comprising an initial 66-aircraft agreement signed in 2004 and a subsequent order for 40 additional units contracted from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in 2010.
The current procurement program remains in its preliminary stages prior to a final contract award. A formal Request for Proposal (RFP) is tentatively scheduled for release in December 2027, followed by comprehensive flight trials and evaluations. With aircraft deliveries expected to be completed within 60 months of contract implementation, the replacement jet trainers are unlikely to enter operational service before the mid-2030s.
The technical requirements outlined in the Request for Information specify fly-by-wire flight controls, a modern glass cockpit, and configurable hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls. Additionally, navigation systems must integrate India's indigenous NavIC satellite navigation system alongside GPS and GLONASS, while safety standards require zero-zero ejection seats, automatic recovery capabilities from lost control, and embedded virtual avionics and electronic warfare suites.
