BAE SYSTEMS WELCOMES THE SELECTION OF HAWK AS THE INDIAN ADVANCED JET TRAINER.

BAE SYSTEMS welcomes today's news that the Indian Government has selected the Hawk advanced jet trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force and looks forward to finalisation of the contract with the appropriate authorities. This is the third selection of Hawk this year (India, UK and Bahrain). The proposal for 66 aircraft will cover not only the aircraft but also support.

The first batch of 24 aircraft will be built in the UK and the remaining 42 aircraft manufactured in India through a partnership with India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Commenting on the news BAE SYSTEMS Chief Executive Mike Turner said, &I am delighted that the Indian Government have chosen the world's best selling advanced jet trainer - the Hawk - for the Indian Air Force. This proposal is not only great news for BAE SYSTEMS but also for the manufacturing capability and aerospace industries of the UK and is a reflection of the support given by the UK Government in this bid. The Company is looking forward to continue working with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, a long term partner on a variety of programmes.

The aircraft will be manufactured at the company's Brough site in East Yorkshire, with flight testing taking place at Warton in Lancashire.

The Indian Air Force are to receive an advanced version of the Hawk 100 series featuring a glass cockpit with Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick (HOTAS) controls, head down Multi-Function Displays (MFD) and a Head Up Display(HUD).