BAE Systems and HAL in reported Hawk aircraft deal

Source: Supply Chain Digital

Date :03/01/2008 11:43:28

British defence and aerospace company BAE Systems Plc in talks with Indian aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to make Hawk advanced jet trainers in India for the global market.

The state-owned Indian company currently manufactures the aircraft under license from BAE Systems for the Indian Air Force.

HAL is already making 42 Hawks under licence in Bangalore as part of an £800 million order to supply the Indian air force with 66 fighter trainers and train its pilots. The order is part of a £1.1 billion deal signed in 2004 to train Indian air force pilots, initially in the UK.

Feasibility study

Indian newspaper, The Mint, reported on Tuesday that HAL chairman Ashok K. Baweja said in an e-mail to it that both firms were doing a feasibility study for the joint venture, which would also focus on doing repair and overhaul of the Hawk aircraft, sold by BAE Systems worldwide.

Mint quoted an HAL spokesman saying the joint venture proposal was at an early stage with no deadline set for the feasibility study's completion.

Alliance

The rumoured joint venture would see state-run Hindustan Aeronautics expand its operations with BAE to make the aircraft in India for the global market.

The extent of the potential alliance is unclear, though it could include maintenance and overhaul agreements for the jets.

January 03, 2008