Indian Navy inducts HAL's Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers

BANGALORE: Indian Navy today inducted the first fully indigenous Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited at INS Dega in Vishakhapatnam.

HAL Chairman R K Tyagi said, "The company remains committed to serve the country and its defence forces in every possible way. Our support is not only for Hawk but for all platforms of Indian Navy."

A HAL release quoted Chief of Naval Staff Admiral D K Joshi as saying, "We are proud of Indian manufactured products and it is evident from the fact that HAL-made aircraft such as Vampire and Kirans are with us for decades."

Hawk AJT is a dual seat multi-purpose aircraft powered by a single Rolls Royce Adour Mk.871 engine. The AJT is primarily used for basic, advanced and weapons training of the pilots.

The aircraft has the capabilities to be used as a ground attack aircraft or for air defence. It has excellent flying characteristics with good stability, can be flown at night and can perform a wide range of aerobatic manoeuvres.