With Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) unlikely to meet its deadline, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has tied up with the original manufacturer to deliver advanced jet trainers (AJT). According to sources, ?the IAF will be inking an extended contract with the UK-based BAE Systems for 59 `Hawk? AJTs.?
?The courses of induction have been planned, based on the number of trainers we have. However, as the number of such courses will be increased next year, it will be increasingly difficult. To avoid this, it has been decided that we buy more from BAE Systems. Out of the 59 machines, 40 trainers will be for IAF and the rest will be used for training in the Indian Navy,? sources in the IAF said on the condition of anonymity.
Sources also added that HAL has been falling back in the indigenous production of the Hawks. Citing the ?not good enough technology transfer? as the primary reason for the delay in production at HAL, a senior officer said, ?So far we have produced Block I of 34 aircraft and we are falling behind in the production schedule as the technology transferred to HAL is not ?good enough?.?
However, a BAE company spokesperson told FE , ?BAE Systems completed the delivery of all new equipment to HAL as specified, and continues to provide direct support to them on their licence build contract with the government of India . BAE Systems also remains ready to assist HAL in overcoming any new production issues, should they arise??.
The Hawk Mk-132, designed by BAE Systems, is powered by a Rolls-Royce engine.
Last August, HAL had delivered the first indigenously-built Hawk Mk-132 AJT to the IAF and is contracted to produce 57 additional Hawk advanced jet trainers, under licence from BAE Systems, for the IAF and the Indian Navy.
In 2004, HAL had signed a contract worth Rs 8,000 crore for 66 Hawk trainers from BAE Systems, according to which, BAE Systems would supply 24 Hawks in flyaway condition, with the remaining 42 aircraft to be made under a technology transfer licence in HAL?s Bangalore factory. HAL has invested more than Rs 1,500 crore in the facility, and plans to deliver all the 42 aircraft by 2011. While the airframe and engines would be produced locally for the Hawk trainer, systems such as avionics, radars and controls would be imported from BAE Systems and its partners.