BAE Systems says Hawk's future is secure

Simon Keith, BAE SYSTEMS' Managing Director, Middle East said the claims, originated by the Middle East News Line (MENL), were untrue and took no account of the recent decision by the UK government to buy a significant number of Hawk jet trainers.

The company also said it was not aware of any decision by the United Arab Emirate's Defence Ministry about the procurement of Hawk trainers from Switzerland.

'On July 30, the UK government announced its selection of the latest generation of Hawk aircraft, the Hawk 128, as its new Advanced Jet Trainer for the 21st century. Twenty Hawk Mk 128 aircraft will be purchased initially with an option for a further 24, going into service from 2008,' said Keith.

'That decision ensures continued production and development of the Hawk aircraft.'

'It also reinforces the Hawk's position at the leading edge of fast jet training technology and validates its standing as the world's most successful advanced jet trainer.

'Whilst discussions on the UAE's purchase of additional Hawk aircraft are on-going, our priority is to provide top-class support to the UAE's current fleet. BAE SYSTEMS has a long standing relationship with the UAE and is committed to maintaining and strengthening our partnerships there,' added Keith.

The UAE, one of five Hawk users in the Gulf Co-operation Council, has a fleet of 58 Hawk aircraft, including Hawk Mk 102 and the Hawk 61/63.

The Hawk 128 is the next generation of trainer aircraft and will be used to train future fighter pilots that will fly the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Joint Strike Fighter. The Hawk 128 is designed around a fully digital cockpit, open architecture computers and airborne simulation systems.