British-built Hawk training jets to be maintained by BAE

London-based BAE Systems Ltd. announced an agreement on Wednesday to maintain and support Hawk training planes in the United Arab Emirates.

BAE will contract with the UAE-based Advanced Military Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Center, or AMMROC, to provide repairs and upgrades to Hawk Mk61, Mk102 and Mk63 aircraft at a facility in Abu Dhabi until 2020.

The facility is on the grounds of Al Ain International Airport in Abu Dhabi.

The single-engine, jet-powered advanced technology aircraft is typically used for training, although it also can serve as a light combat aircraft.

About 1,000 British-built Hawk planes are in service with 18 governments around the world for training pilots to fly larger and more advanced fighter planes. The Hawk planes feature a variety of simulators for realistic combat scenarios.

The contract with AMMROC -- owned by Emirates Defense Industries Corp., Lockheed Martin Corp. and the Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky -- will include training and maintenance programs to customers.

"This agreement builds on the strong partnership we've had with AMMROC since 2013 and provides a platform for our continued assistance in support of the current Hawk fleet in the UAE," Mike Swales, Hawk International Program director at BAE Systems, said in a press release. "It will strengthen and enhance the collaborative work between our two organizations in the long-term maintenance of the aircraft."

We are proud to continue supporting the #UAE's Hawk training aircraft fleet through an agreement with the Advanced Military Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Center LLC (AMMROC). @DubaiAirshow #DAS17 pic.twitter.com/1eHCSHhlMH- BAE Systems Gulf (@BAESystems_Gulf) November 14, 2017

Air Force pilot shortage has grown, is 'stretching the force to the limit'
Washington (UPI) Oct 11, 2017
The Pilot shortage that has dogged the U.S. Air Force has gotten worse as the service's top officials say the shortage has surged to about 2,000 airmen. In September, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Goldfein told attendees at the annual Air Crew Summit at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland that the service is "in a crisis" that could compromise its ability to defend the nation. According to G ... read more

Related Links
Aerospace News at SpaceMart.com

Thanks for being there;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.

SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5+ Billed Monthly

SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once

credit card or paypal