BAE Systems today joined with industry partners Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) to celebrate the handover of the first HAL built Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The aircraft is the first of 42 Hawk aircraft being built under license by HAL, and is the 15th Hawk advanced jet trainer handed over to the IAF following 14 which have been delivered from BAE Systems in the UK.

Michael Christie, Senior Vice President Hawk International at BAE Systems said: “The handover of the first HAL assembled aircraft is a significant day for HAL and the Hawk programme. BAE Systems and HAL have worked in partnership in many areas of the Indian Hawk programme, and the delivery of this first HAL assembled aircraft is the latest example of this partnership in action.”

The aircraft will join the fleet of BAE Systems built Hawks that have recently commenced training the next generation of Indian Air Force pilots at Air Force Station Bidar.