LONDON, UK, Oct. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - Lord Drayson, Minister for Defence Procurement, has announced today that the contract for the new Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer Mk128 has been agreed with BAE Systems.
The contract, which was signed this morning, gives the go-ahead for 28 Hawk Mk128 aircraft to be produced for training future fast jet pilots for next generation combat aircraft such as Typhoon and the F-35 Lightning II and includes support of spares and ground equipment.
The production contract follows a design and development programme for two Hawk Mk128 aircraft which has been taking place over the past two years. During this time BAE Systems has been working closely with the UK MoD to develop a highly capable advanced jet trainer.
Following the signing, Mark Parkinson, managing director of the Hawk programme for BAE Systems commented: "This is a significant milestone for the Hawk programme and a clear example of how BAE Systems and the UK MoD can work together to meet the UK's military requirements. This aircraft has the very latest navigation and avionics systems which enable future combat pilots to experience features which were previously only available to them on front line aircraft. By training on a significantly more capable aircraft, the UK's front line pilots will be able to further enhance their combat flying skills."
This contract for 28 aircraft with the UK MoD confirms Hawk's position as one of the most capable advanced jet trainers available in the market today.
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is the premier transatlantic defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 86,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded GB(pnds stlg)15.4 billion (US$28 billion) in 2005.
For further information: Andy Bunce, BAE Systems, +44- (0)1772-85 2714, Mob: +44-(0)7801 716 448, andy.bunce@baesystems.com; Lisa Hillary-Tee, BAE Systems, +44 (0) 1252 38 4934, Mob: +44 (0) 7801 718994, lisa.hillary-tee@baesystems.com; Issued by: BAE Systems, +44 (0) 1252 384719, Fax: +44 (0) 1252 383947, www.baesystems.com
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