HAL, BAE Systems to Develop Combat Version of Hawk Trainer

HAL and BAE Systems have entered into an agreement to develop a combat version of the HAWK trainer jet for the Indian and export markets.

HAL signed an MoU with BAE Systems recently for Hawk Mk132 upgrade, development of combat Hawk for Indian and export markets and maintenance solutions for supporting Jaguar and Hawk fleet.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. T. Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL expressed confidence on success of the proposed collaboration between HAL and BAE. “It is important that both the teams finalise the scope of Hawk Mk132 Upgrades and other work packages under the MoU agreement at the earliest”, he said.

M N Shrinath, General Manager (Aircraft) of HAL and Steve Timms, Managing Director (Defense Information, Training and Services) of BAE systems signed the agreement.

Designed to provide most efficient and cost-effective method of training pilots by integrating air and ground based elements, the Hawk Mk132 is a dual seat multi-purpose aircraft, primarily used for basic, advanced and weapons training of the pilots.

Till date, the Indian MoD has placed orders for a total of 123 Hawk AJT aircraft, of which over 70 have been delivered to the Indian Air Force.

HAL had signed a Hawk Mk 132 maintenance contract for GBP 18.5 million during the Aero India 2015 show in February.