Two UK Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) aircraft based at BAE Systems Warton are due to leave on August 10 for the UAE.

They will undergo evaluation by the UAE Air Force & Air Defence (AF & AD).

The two aircraft are travelling to the UAE as part of the competition to choose a new jet trainer for the UAE AF & AD; earlier this year the UAE shortlisted the Hawk AJT alongside two competitors to potentially meet their advanced jet trainer requirement. The winner is expected to be announced before the end of the year, said a Hawk statement.

The Hawk AJT’s will undergo a stringent examination in temperatures in excess of 45° Celsius, which will include some 30 plus flights during the two weeks it will be in the UAE.

Steve Wearden, Hawk sales executive, who is leading the UAE campaign, said: “The evaluation will play a central role in the competition and the aircraft will be put through their paces in conditions we don’t experience in the UK.  However, a number of countries in the Middle East, including the UAE, have operated Hawks for over 25 years and we have a great deal of experience in aircraft operations in hot, humid environments.

“The aircraft undertaking the evaluation are aircraft that will ultimately be delivered to the UK Ministry of Defence to train the next generation of RAF and Royal Navy fast jet pilots. Without the cooperation of the UK customer this evaluation wouldn’t take place, and this is an excellent example of the UK government supporting UK industry in pursuit of exports,” he said. –TradeArabia News Service