BAE Systems to be present at IAF Hawk induction ceremony
BAE Systems will tomorrow join the Indian Air Force (IAF) to celebrate the induction of their new, BAE Systems built, Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers (AJT) at Air Force Station Bidar. With the induction of these Hawks, the IAF becomes the 19th air force to use the Hawk jet as their trainer of front line, fast jet pilots and reinforces the Hawk’s position as the world’s most successful jet trainer.
BAE Systems has already delivered eight aircraft to the IAF, with the first jets arriving at AFS Bidar in November 2007. The IAF will receive a total of 66 Hawks, 24 of which will be built by BAE Systems in the UK with 42 being built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in Bangalore.
Nigel Whitehead, Group Managing Director, Military Air Solutions, BAE Systems, said: “Tomorrow will be another proud day for everyone involved in the Hawk programme. To see the Hawk AJT inducted into the Indian Air Force represents a significant event for both BAE Systems and the IAF. The Hawk AJT will provide the IAF with a world leading capability; ensuring future generations of student pilots have the ideal platform to transition from student to frontline, fast jet pilot.
“The Indian Hawk programme is an excellent example of BAE Systems’ capability to work with a customer to ensure that both military and industrial requirements are met.”
In parallel to delivery of aircraft and training devices, BAE Systems, in partnership with the UK RAF, has delivered a training programme that will see on its completion in mid-2008, over 75 IAF pilots trained on the current RAF Hawk fleet at RAF Valley. Many of those who have completed the course have returned to India.
But the training being provided isn’t restricted to aircrew. A number of the Hawk AJTs that will be supplied to the IAF have also been used to train around 100 IAF engineering officers and technicians in BAE Systems’ Technical Training Academy at Warton who will support the aircraft when it enters service.
BAE Systems has also completed conversion training of experienced IAF Flying Instructors to become instructor pilots on the Indian Hawk – these instructors will train the Indian Air Force’s next generation of frontline pilots.
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