Let us look beyond Hawk: BAE chief

Says both partners could think of working on new projects in 17 countries where BAE has its presence

Chairman of BAE Systems, global company engaged in the development, delivery and support of advanced defence, security and aerospace system, insisted that the deep rooted business relationship with HAL should go beyond Hawk to make the future even better than past.

India is today the second largest market for Hawk after the UK, Chairman of BAE Systems Dick Olver said both partners could think of working on new projects in 17 countries where BAE has its presence.

Presently, HAL produces Hawk Mk, 132 under licence from BAE Systems, UK and the first aircraft was handed over to the Indian Air Force in August 2008. The Hawk Mk 132 is an advanced jet trainer with tandem duel seats meant to provide advanced flying and weapons training.

Led by Dick Olver and CEO Ian King, Board Members of BAE Systems paid a visit together outside the UK/US to HAL's facilities in Bangalore here today. They reportedly discussed various business areas of mutual interest with HAL chairman R K Tyagi and other top officials of HAL.

Tyagi said HAL would be keen to carry forward the relationship. A new business model like Performance-Based Logistics could be an area of cooperation with the HAL.

learning from BAE experiences. HAL and BAE Systems have been together since 1940s when the Tiger Moths were overhauled and the relationship strengthened through production of Jaguars in 1980s and the Hawk fleet in the last 20 years, he added.