JON LAKE
Bahrain has selected the BAE Systems Hawk to meet the future advanced training requirements of the Royal Bahraini Air Force, BAE Systems announced yesterday.
The number of aircraft in the proposed deal is unknown, but is expected to be in the order of six to eight aircraft.
The RBAF currently sends its pilots to the USA for advanced training on the Northrop T-38 Talon, with USAF flying schools.
In July 2000, it was reported that Bahrain had signed a preliminary agreement with BAE Systems to establish a pilot training academy similar in concept to the NFTC in Canada, and similarly based around the company's Hawk trainer.
BAE Systems finally signed a contract to provide the elementary and basic training phases within a newly established pilot training academy in January 2002.
King Hamad – a former air force pilot himself – visited the BAE stand, where he was shown over a Hawk aircraft similar to those that Bahrain is now negotiating to procure.
Source: Flight Daily News
