The SAAF's first Hawk hatching
Date: 2 March 2001
BAE SYSTEMS announced in its annual results this week that the construction of the first of 24 Hawk lead-in fighter trainers for the SA Air Force was underway.
"BAE SYSTEMS has been contracted to supply the South African Air Force with 24 dual-seat Hawk Lead-in Fighter Trainer aircraft. Together with its Swedish partner, Saab, BAE SYSTEMS has also been contracted to supply the South African Air Force with 28 Gripen advanced swing-role fighters. This combined contract is valued at US2.2-billion (including spares provisioning, training and other items). Production of the first Hawk for South Africa has already commenced," a media release accompanying the results said. The initial aircraft will be used for the flight test and development of South African avionics and mission systems in South Africa next year. Production Hawk deliveries to the SA Air Force are on schedule to begin in 2005, ending late in 2006.
Gripen deliveries to the SA Air Force commence in 2007 through to 2011.
Defence Systems Daily
