HAL HJT-16 Kiran

The HAL HJT-16 Kiran ("Ray of light") is an Indian two-seat intermediate jet trainer built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Used by the Indian Air Force for intermediate training for pilots trained on the HPT-32 Deepak. It is used by the Indian naval aerobatic team Sagar Pawan and was also used by the Indian Air Force aerobatic team Surya Kiran until February 2011, when the team was disbanded after its HJT-16 Mk.I and Mk.II aircraft were diverted to train fighter pilots. The Defence Ministry is expected to place an order for twenty Hawk Mk.132 aircraft with HAL in late 2015 to give the Surya Kiran dedicated aircraft.

Variants

 * Kiran Mk.I: Two-seat intermediate jet trainer powered by a Rolls-Royce Viper turbo-jet engine. 118 built.
 * Kiran Mk.IA: Two-seat intermediate jet trainer with armament capability. Two underwing hardpoints fitted. 72 built.
 * Kiran Mk.II: Improved version with four hardpoints and integral twin 7.62 mm machine guns in nose and a Bristol Siddeley Orpheus engine.

Users

 * India
 * Indian Air Force x 87
 * Indian Navy
 * Indian Naval Air Arm x 20