The contract is the latest in a number of significant military-aircraft support contracts awarded by the MoD in the last 12 months.
Totalling £1.5bn, the contracts are: Hawk In-Service Support, Harrier Platform Availability Contract (HPAC), Typhoon Availability Service (TAS), and Radar and Defensive Aids Sub Systems (RDASS) for Typhoon.
This latest contract, also known as Hawk In-Service Support (ISS), means that BAE Systems is responsible for ensuring that the AJT fleet, also known as Hawk TMk2, is available for training the RAF’s fast jet pilots at RAF Valley on Anglesey, Wales.
The RAF received the first of its 28 Hawk TMk2 aircraft in the summer of 2009. With 22 aircraft delivered to date, the final aircraft will be delivered to the RAF this year.
Martin Rushton, managing director of BAE Systems’ Training & Hawk UK business, said: ‘Signature of the Hawk ISS contact represents recognition of BAE Systems’ readiness and sustainment capabilities, and is a significant milestone for the joint MoD, RAF and BAE Systems team.’
BAE Systems currently supports the RAF’s Hawk TMk1 fleet at RAF Valley.
Taking steps toward reindustrialisation
While I agree with Jim and the article that there is much amiss with Britain's manufacturing policy, I think that they are missing the...