BAE Systems has delivered the final Hawk fighter aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Hawk HT001 is one of the 24 aircraft ordered by the air force that will provide fast jet training to the IAF.
The HT001 was the first aircraft to be built under the order, and had been serving as a flight test platform for the validating integration of new systems and capabilities onto the IAF Hawk fleet.
The aircraft also served as the platform for training instructors, who will in turn teach student pilots on the Hawk.
BAE Systems Military Air Solutions India senior vice-president Michael Christie said that the Hawk has brought a step change in pilot training capabilities for the IAF and this aircraft, which was the first India Hawk to be built, has been a key part of developing further capabilities for the Indian Air Force.
The delivery of the Indian Hawk had begun in 2007 and had been completed in 2008, except for this final development aircraft.
BAE Systems will continue to provide support services to the IAF and work with industrial partner HAL in meeting the fast jet training needs of the force.
