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.