HAL HLFT-42
| Company type | Public sector undertaking |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace and defense |
| Founded | October 23, 1940 in Bangalore, India |
| Headquarters | Bangalore , India |
| Products | Aircraft, helicopters, aerospace components |
| Website | hal-india |
HAL HLFT-42
The HAL HLFT-42 (Hindustan Lead-in Fighter Trainer – 42) represents an indigenous lead-in fighter trainer developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Conceived as a cutting-edge supersonic training platform, it is intended to prepare pilots for next-generation combat aircraft such as the HAL Tejas Mk2 and HAL AMCA. Beyond its training role, the HLFT-42 is designed to operate as a fully operational fighter for combat engagements. HAL showcased a scale model of this aircraft during the 14th Aero India event held in 2023 at Bangalore.
The Indian Air Force plans to integrate the HLFT-42 into its fleet, aiming to phase out the existing BAE Hawk 132 trainer jets.
Development
The concept for the HLFT-42 was launched in 2017 and was publicly revealed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited at the 2023 edition of Aero India. By early 2023, HAL confirmed that the project had advanced significantly, with intentions to finalize the design within four to five years. The aircraft's main objective is to succeed the current Indian Air Force BAE Hawk trainers while also serving as a lead-in platform for future fighters including the HAL Tejas Mk2 and HAL AMCA, with added combat functionalities.
In 2025, HAL announced modifications to the HLFT-42 design following feedback from the Indian Air Force. The updated version is planned to act as the control platform for the HAL CATS, an unmanned weapon system, and will also replace variants of the HAL Tejas Mk1A along with the SEPECAT Jaguar. The choice of engine for this aircraft has yet to be finalized.
Design
Featuring a single-engine configuration, the HLFT-42 incorporates a conventional swept-wing layout paired with a bubble canopy. Its estimated maximum take-off weight is approximately 16,500 kilograms. The aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, including an active electronically scanned array radar, infrared search and track (IRST) systems, and a comprehensive electronic warfare (EW) suite, all integrated via a modern fly-by-wire system. The mock-up displayed at Aero India 2023 revealed a total of eleven hardpoints: three beneath each wing, three under the fuselage, and one at each wingtip. These stations are intended for mounting various armaments such as short-range air-to-air missiles like the ASRAAM, as well as beyond-visual-range weapons including the Astra, enabling the HLFT-42 to perform effectively as a combat-ready fighter.