IAF negotiating with BAE to weaponise Hawk

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is in negotiations with BAE Systems to weaponise its fleet of Hawk Mk 132 advanced jet trainers (AJTs) so they could be deployed on strike co-ordinated armed reconnaissance and close air support missions.

BAE Systems officials told IHS Jane’s at Aero India 2015 that the IAF is evaluating the feasibility of integrating its largely licence-built Hawk Mk 132s with a range of weapon systems that are fitted onto its SEPECAT Jaguar fighters.

According to Dave Corfield, head of Hawk India, this included MBDA’s Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Rafael Litening targeting pods, and a range of smart weapons.

Indian Airforce has a total of around 120 BAE Hawk on order, also Indian navy operated them. With around 80 already in use. They could prove effective in attack role. Highly maneuverable, small and legit.

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