In response to a formal request from the Indian Air Force, BAE Systems has extended a teaming agreement with Elbit Systems, to produce advanced airborne simulation capabilities for the IAF Hawk Mark 132 advanced jet trainer aircraft.
As part of the agreement, the companies will integrate synthetic radar, electronic warfare, countermeasures and weapons into the Hawk Mark 132 mission system architecture, to improve the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot training system.
The deal provides enhanced fast jet training on the Hawk Mk132 allowing additional skills to be taught to pilots.
The agreement has been expanded to meet the IAF’s virtual training system requirement. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited had sent out a request for proposal September last. The agreement was originally signed by the companies in 2009. The aircraft are scheduled to be manufactured at HAL’s facility in Bangalore.
The Hawk Mk132 AJT is designed to train pilots to fly aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed Martin F-35 joint strike fighter aircraft.