The Indian Air Force (IAF) is undergoing a serious crisis due to the delays in the manufacture of the Hawk advanced jet trainer (AJT) in India.
The IAF has recently grounded its fleet of HPT-32 Deepak used for flight training due to a series of crashes and has no replacement ready.
While the IAF is blaming the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) who is responsible for the hawk AJT, HAL has criticized BAE Systems of UK for failing to carry out its contract to transfer technology, design drawings, tools, manufacturing jigs and components essential for manufacturing the Hawk trainer in India.
HAL officials have pointed out that BAE Systems supplied obsolete versions of jigs (frames on which aircraft parts are assembled) and tooling.
BAE delivered these components without realizing that they belong to earlier versions of the HAWK trainers.
HAL has also indicated the unsatisfactory competence level of the BAE Systems team appointed in the assembly line since they were constantly referring to the UK office for technical issues.
As for BAE Systems, they claim that it has completed all hardware deliveries to support the licence-build programme of the Hawk trainers. BAE Systems has repeatedly made clear that it stands ready to assist HAL should they require it and the programme delays are not due to BAE Systems.
The Indian defence Ministry has also become a bit complacent about BAE Systems and gave a warning sign earlier this year by floating a fresh global inquiry for India’s requirement of 57 additional trainers.
This has been a setback for BAE Systems since in the normal course, it would have got a go-ahead signal since it has an assembly line ready in India. BAE Systems are holding talks to get back the deal with India for the additional trainers.
BAE Systems had signed a $ 1.2-billion contract with India’s Ministry of Defence in 2004 to supply 24 ready-built Hawk-132 AJTs (which have been delivered) and transfer the technology for building another 42 in HAL, Bangalore.
As per the schedule, the first 15 Hawks should have already been built in Bangalore but only five have been completed
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