Ties with HAL could go beyond Hawk, says BAE executive

BAE Systems Chairman Dick Olver today said the deep-routed business relationship with HAL should go beyond Advanced Jet Trainer Hawk to make the future even better than the past.
India being the second largest market for Hawk after the UK, both the partners could think of working on new projects in 17 countries where BAE has its presence, he said in a statement after visiting an HAL facility here.
HAL Chairman R K Tyagi said the state-owned aeronautical company would be keen to carry forward this relationship.
A new business model such as Performance Based Logistics (PBL) could be an area of cooperation with HAL learning from BAE experiences, he said.

HAL and BAE Systems have been together since 1940s when Tiger Moths were overhauled and the relationship strengthened through production of Jaguars in 80s and the Hawk fleet in the last 20 years, Tyagi added.
Currently, HAL produces Hawk Mk, 132 under license from BAE Systems, UK and the first aircraft was handed over to the Indian Air Force in August 2008, he said.
The Hawk Mk 132 is an Advanced Jet Trainer with tandem duel seats meant to provide advanced flying and weapons training, he said.