The Indian Air Force (IAF) is procuring 21 additional Hawk advanced jet trainers from BAE Systems in collaboration with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Business Standard has reported that the additional aircraft will replace the existing Kiran Mark II trainer aircraft.

The procurement will also benefit the IAF as its entire fleet of HPT-32 Deepak basic trainers has been grounded since July 2009 following 17 accidents.

Construction of the aircraft will begin by the end of 2016 after the completion of 123 aircraft ordered by the IAF and the Indian Navy.