25 May 2006
The South African Air Force received its first two Hawk MK 120 fighter trainer aircraft on Wednesday, part of a multi-billion rand arms deal package signed in 1999.
Briefing the media Johanneburg on Thursday, Air Force Brigadier-General Philip Willcock said the complete fleet of 24 aircraft was expected by mid-2007.
South Africa ordered the 24 Hawk aircraft, along with 28 Gripen fighters, from British company BAE Systems to equip the SA Air Force with a modern, flexible and cost-effective jet fleet.
Front-line fighter trainers
The Hawk aircraft are unique in their ability to have their cockpits configured to represent any modern front-line fighter.
They are an updated version of the Hawk 100 series, incorporating changes to the avionics suite and associated aircraft systems originally developed by BAE Systems for the Royal Australian Air Force.
The aircraft, fitted with powerful Royce-Royce/Turbomeca engines, are being assembled at Denel's aviation systems facility in Kempton Park near Johannesburg.
Willcock said pilots were currently undergoing training to operate the aircraft.
"This is not the end, but the beginning of a new phase of the project," Willcock said. "Many challenges and a high workload still lie ahead during the completion of the remaining fleet."
The two Hawks were flown to their new home, Makhado Air Force Base in Limpopo province, on Thursday.
Benefits for local industry
During a visit to Denel's Kempton Park facility in 2005, Public Enterprises Minister Alec Erwin said the Hawk deliveries would "play an invaluable role enabling our forces to help secure peace and stability on the continent, which is vital for regional growth and prosperity."
Erwin said Denel's Hawk and Gripen procurement was yielding vital benefits for the country's industry and economy.
"Denel for one has benefited from the programme, acquiring important skills, knowledge and experience working in partnership with BAE Systems.
"Besides assembling our own fleets of new Hawks, it has also been contracted by BAE as a key component manufacturer, including its appointment as the exclusive supplier of tail planes, airbrake and wing flaps for all new built Hawks."
Also speaking during Erwin's visit, Denel CEO Shaun Liebenberg said his company played a key role as an anchor of the country's aerospace and defence-related industry.
"We are especially proud of the important contribution the Hawk and Gripen programme is making towards the sustenance and development of black empowerment small and medium sized enterprises," Liebenberg said.
"They manufacture items such as wire harnessing and ground support equipment, which are all now members of our extensive global supply chain and gaining vital exposure in the world market."
SouthAfrica.info reporter and BuaNews
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