HAL signs MoU with BAE Systems for Hawk Mk132 upgrade

NEW DELHI: HAL has signed an MoU with BAE Systems UK for upgradation of Hawk Mk132, development of combat Hawk for Indian and export markets and maintenance solutions for supporting Jaguar and Hawk fleet.

According to HAL, Hawk Mk 132 is an Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) with tandem dual seats meant to provide basic, advanced flying and weapons training. "The cockpit provides excellent field of view and the aircraft is equipped with Inertial Navigation/Global Positioning System, Head-Up Display and Hands-On Throttle and Stick controls," the release said.

Speaking on the occasion, T. Suvarna Raju, CMD of 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.





MN Shrinath, General Manager (Aircraft) signed the MoU on behalf of HAL, while Steve Timms, Managing Director (Defence Information, Training and Services) signed on behalf of BAE. Chris Boardman, Managing Director (Military Air & Information) headed the BAE delegation.

The aircraft has the capabilities to be used as a ground attack aircraft or for air defence. The aircraft is being produced at HAL under licence from BAE. The first aircraft was handed over to IAF in August 2008. Production program of 42 Hawks to IAF was concluded in 2011-12. Further, second contract was signed between IAF and HAL in July 2010 for supply of forty of Hawk AJT and associated equipment. HAL has so for produced 25 aircraft and would be producing all the 40 aircraft by 2016-17.

A contract was signed between Indian Navy and HAL in July 2010 for supply of 17 Hawk AJT and associated equipment. HAL has so far produced 11 aircraft and would be producing all the 17 aircraft by 2016-17. HAL has so far produced 78 Hawk aircraft.