Mumbai: British defence company BAE Systems Plc. on Wednesday said it had secured a five-year contract worth GBP 18.5 million to provide Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) a comprehensive package comprising components and support for the Hawk Mk132 advanced jet trainer.
The package includes offering ground support equipment, spares, support and training for the Hawk Mk132 advanced jet trainer, BAE Systems said in a statement.
This is in support of HAL’s plans to establish a dedicated repair and overhaul facility for the aircraft in advance of a major servicing milestone anticipated in 2016.
The agreement was signed at Aero India 2015.
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 clocked nearly 70,000 flying hours.
BAE Systems has started contract negotiations with HAL on a potential order to supply products and services for the manufacture of a further 20 Hawk aircraft, the statement said.
The aircraft, to be built by HAL in Bengaluru, will fulfil the Indian Air Force’s requirement for its aerobatics team, the statement said.
