BAE SYSTEMS' TYPHOON AND HAWK AIRCRAFT TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT DUBAI 2005

Typhoon, the world's most advanced swing-role fighter, and Hawk, the world's most capable and cost-effective jet trainer, will take centre stage at the Dubai 2005 air show where BAE Systems - the international systems, defence and aerospace company - demonstrates its diverse range of defence capabilities and technological excellence.

A global leader in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land and at sea, BAE Systems will be spotlighting its air capability, Homeland Security solutions and ambition to create new partnerships in the Middle East, including the key markets of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

In addition to full scale replicas of the world leading Typhoon and Hawk aircraft, on the Dubai 2005 flightline, Typhoon and Hawk demonstrators will be on the BAE Systems stand at the event.

Other systems exhibited will be BAE Systems Advanced Reconnaissance System (ARS), a dual-band long to medium range, podded recce system; an advanced helmet mounted display that projects vital information, with image intensified real-world overlays, onto a pilot's visor; the Digital Light Engine Head-Up Display, which can be retro-fitted and significantly reduces through-life costs; the Skyeye UAV system that can remain aloft for 12 hours while carrying a 100kg payload and Matador, a system that protects a wide variety of multi-engine jet transport aircraft against first generation IR missile threats.

BAE Systems will demonstrate, in the Homeland Security area, a cost effective Command and Control (C2) system which provides a single unified surveillance picture and enables the integration of a wide range of sensors. The C2 system allows virtual protective zones and alarms to be set and monitored with ease and potential threat trajectories to be followed for interdiction operations in border surveillance, port and harbour and other areas. Also Integrated Air Defence Systems, by integrating sensors and C2 elements, the generation and exchange of a recognised air picture can be provided for multiple platforms.

Simon Keith, Regional Managing Director, BAE Systems Middle East said: "The two years since the last Dubai air show have seen BAE Systems emerge from testing times, with its four main aircraft projects, currently in various stages of development or production, taking off.

"Prospects for the Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft, Hawk advanced jet trainer, Nimrod MRA4 maritime patrol aircraft, and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter are extremely bright and all four projects are flying high.�

The air forces of the four partner Eurofighter nations had, by the end of September 2005, accepted delivery of 56 Typhoon aircraft. These aircraft are deployed with training and development squadrons across Europe. The Tranche 2 programme for a further 236 aircraft is under contract and has been launched across European industry.

In August, the first of the Hawk 129s destined for the Royal Bahrain Air Force (RBAF) completed its maiden flight, nine months ahead of schedule. Significant progress has also been made in the first half of 2005 on the Indian Air Force (66 aircraft) and the UK MoD design and development contracts for Hawk, both secured in 2004. Twenty four of the Indian Air Force Hawks are now in build. In addition to this the first Indian Air Force pilots graduated from RAF Valley in May. Meanwhile, the South African aircraft build contract (24 aircraft) continues on schedule.

The first and second Nimrod development aircraft, PA01 and PA02, continue to make good progress through the flight test programme with encouraging results being achieved at this early stage. The third development aircraft, PA03, is also progressing well and the aircraft made its first flight in August 2005.

BAE Systems is partnered with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme. In May 2005 the programme achieved a major milestone by delivering the first major units to the Lockheed Martin final assembly line. This delivery is a key step towards the first flight of the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant in 2006.

BAE Systems has had a presence in the Middle East for more than 30 years. Its long term commitment to the region is embodied in its investment in dedicated offices, in Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, that help provide through-life support to its customers.

"In numerous cases, including the Middle East, the UK and Australia, countries are asking industry to work closely with them to streamline support and bring commercial best practice to bear in the search for more robust and cost-effective support solutions,� said Keith.

"BAE Systems is responding to that challenge and can demonstrate some remarkable improvements in operational effectiveness and reduced costs by working closely with customers.�

In addition to providing through-life support to its Middle East customers, the local offices also work with BAE Systems' regional partners. In the Sultanate of Oman, the Oman College - the first Partnership for Development project in the country - is a centre of excellence for aviation training. In Bahrain, the Air Training Wing provides a total indigenous aircrew training capability that will develop world-class military fast jet pilots to meet the operational requirements of the Royal Bahrain Air Force.

"BAE Systems has been present at all the previous Dubai air shows. The event has demonstrated its ability to attract the highest levels of interest and attendance from across the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia including key political and military decision makers,� said Keith.

"As a result, the exhibition has become an essential opportunity for BAE Systems to demonstrate the advanced systems for security and defence we can provide, not only to the UAE but also to other existing and potential partners in the region.�