New Delhi, October 10
After concluding a deal for the sale of 66 Hawk Advance Jet Trainers (AJTs) to India, the British Aerospace (BAe) Systems is now out to sell the Hawk simulators to the Indian Air Force (IAF) to train its pilots.

The BAe Systems has sent its representatives along with the famed Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force (RAF) aerobatic team, to move a proposal with the IAF for the purchase of the Hawk simulators.

The Red Arrows are due to perform at the Hindon Air Force Station on Monday as part of gesture to recognise the Indian clearance for the purchase of the Hawk AJTs. The Red Arrows perform on the Hawk aircraft and the aerobatics will put on display the prowess of the aircraft.

The government had cleared the purchase of 66 Hawk jet trainers in early September at a cost of Rs 8,000 crore. Of the 66 “Hawk-115” jet trainers, India is due to purchase 24 from the BAe Systems in the flyaway condition and the remaining 42 would be produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) under the transfer of technology licence. The deal is expected to be signed by the end of the year.

Sources here said although as yet there was no proposal moved by the IAF for the purchase of the simulators but the offer from the BAe Systems could actually have the Air Force interested. The availability of the simulators would greatly enhance the training facilities for the pilots.

Incidentally, the IAF is looking to induct a large number of simulators for training its pilots. Earlier this week, even the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy, said the IAF would be inducting as many as 17 types of simulators.