On March 7th, India's new HJT-36 jet trainer made its first flight. The Indian badly needs the HJT-36 to replace its 30 year old HJT-16 trainers and will built at least 200 HJT-36's, with the first one to be delivered in 2005. The HJT-36 will use standard components as much as possible be built for low maintenance and heavy use by trainee pilots. The aircraft can also be used in combat, and can carry up to a ton of weapons.
