HAL signs Rs 177-cr contract with BAE Systems for Hawk support

The deal includes ground support equipment, spares, support and training for the Hawk Mk132 advanced jet trainer

BAe Systems, the global defence, aerospace and security major, has secured a five-year contract worth £18.5 million (Rs 177 crore) to provide the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with support for Hawk Mk 132. According to a HAL release, it includes a package comprising ground support equipment, spares, support and training for the Hawk Mk132 advanced jet trainer. This will support HAL’s plans to establish a dedicated repair and overhaul facility for the aircraft in 2016.

HAL has a licenced production agreement for 82 BAe Hawk 132.

The agreement was signed at Aero India 2015 between HAL and Steve Timms, Managing Director, Defence Information, Training and Services, Military Air & Information, BAE Systems.  

Steve Timms, Managing Director, Defence Information, Training and Services, BAE Systems, said: “The agreement will help develops HAL’s in-country capabilities that are helping to deliver an enhanced training capability to the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.”

India is the largest operator of the Hawk advanced jet trainer with 123 aircraft ordered to date, of which over 90 have been delivered to the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. The Hawks in service have till now clocked nearly 70,000 flying hours. The BAE Systems has commenced contract negotiations with HAL on a potential order to supply products and services for the manufacture of a further 20 Hawk aircraft. The aircraft, to be built by HAL in Bengaluru, is expected to fulfill the Indian Air Force’s requirement for its aerobatics' team.