Indian Air Force Takes Delivery of First HAL Built Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer

Released on Thursday, August 14, 2008

Banaglore, India. � 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.

"The Indian Air Force has selected Hawk as the ideal platform for training its next generation of frontline pilots. The handover of the first Hawk trainer, assembled in India by HAL, is a significant milestone for the Indian Air Force, and everyone associated with the programme" states Michael Christie, senior vice president Hawk International at BAE Systems.

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.