Hawk trainers to be inducted next week

The IAF will receive a total of 66 aircraft, 24 of which will be built in the UK and the rest produced under license by HAL at Bangalore. While the first two aircraft arrived at Bidar in November, IAF was waiting for a sizeable number of the trainers to arrive before conducting the induction ceremony.

While the aircraft has been procured in a trainer role, a Defence Ministry statement said that the Hawk can also be used as a lightweight fighter. 8220;In addition to being an advanced jet trainer, Hawk 132 is fully combat capable and can carry air-to-air missile and air-to-ground armament. It could also be used as a lightweight fighter,8221; the statement said.

Meanwhile, Antony will head for a one day visit to Bangalore on Tuesday to take stock of three DRDO labs in the city. The minister will visit the Gas Turbine Research Establishment GTRE, Electronic and Radar Development Establishment LRDE, Aeronautical Development Agency ADA and the Aeronautical Development Establishment ADE.