India has moved a step closer to signing a contract for BAE Systems Hawk trainers with cabinet security committee approval for the deal, potentially worth Rp60 billion ($1.31 billion).
India wants 66 Hawks, 42 of which would be manufactured under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL). Observers believe, however, that HAL will build significantly more aircraft than covered in the initial deal.
BAE says it expects the contract to be signed within weeks. The Hawks will be 100-series aircraft with glass cockpits and Rolls-Royce Adour engines. The 5,800lb-thrust (25.4kN) Mk871 has been offered.
India says the first aircraft will be delivered 35 months after contract signature and all aircraft will be delivered within six years.
India is intent on starting Hawk training quickly, so BAE will operate in the UK six ex-Indonesian air force Hawk 53s, traded in as part of a Hawk 100/200 deal.
India also approved a Rp7.2 billion deal for five Embraer RJ-145s to replace BAe 748s in the VIP transport role.
Source: Flight International