Hawks Depart UK For UAE Evaluation

Warton, UK. - Two UK Ministry of Defence Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft based at BAE Systems Warton have departed for the UAE, where they are to undergo evaluation by the UAE Air Force & Air Defence (AF & AD).

The two aircraft are travelling to the UAE as part of a competition to choose a new jet trainer for the UAE AF & AD. Earlier this year, the UAE down-selected the Hawk AJT alongside two competitors to meet their advanced jet trainer requirement. The winner of the competition is expected to be announced before the end of the year.

The Hawk AJTs are taking part in the evaluation by agreement with the UK MoD and will undergo a stringent examination in temperatures in excess of 45° Celsius, including over 30 flights during the two weeks they are in the UAE.

Hawk sales executive Steve Wearden, who is leading the UAE campaign, said: “The evaluation will play a central role in the competition and the aircraft will be put through their paces in conditions we don’t experience in the UK. However, a number of countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, have operated Hawks for over 25 years and we have a great deal of experience in aircraft operations in hot, humid environments.

“The aircraft undertaking the evaluation are from the UK Military Flying Training System programme and are destined for delivery to the UK MoD to train the next generation of RAF and Royal Navy fast jet pilots. This is an excellent example of the UK government supporting UK industry in pursuit of exports.”