HAL HLFT-42

The HAL HLFT-42, short for Hindustan Lead-in Fighter Trainer 42, is a design for a supersonic lead-in fighter trainer proposed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. HAL showed a scale model at Aero India 2023, with the idea that it would train pilots for the Tejas Mk2 and the planned AMCA fighter and replace the Indian Air Force BAE Hawk 132 trainers, while also being armed well enough to fly combat missions. The concept dates from 2017, the design was reworked in 2025 after Air Force comments, HAL has not chosen an engine, and its future was questioned in 2026 when HAL offered a Tejas trainer variant against the same lead-in trainer requirement.