The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved another milestone by handing over the first home-made Hawk Mk 132 aircraft to Indian Navy recently. “We built this aircraft in time and this is the first of the five aircraft to be delivered to the Indian Navy. The remaining four will be delivered soon”, said Dr R.K. Tyagi, Chairman, HAL. He handed over the related documents to Vice Admiral Pradeep K. Chatterjee, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff.

Dr Tyagi said it is matter of pride that all the training aircraft of the Indian Navy have been supplied by HAL. “We are carrying forward this legacy and will ensure that the Navy gets all the support from HAL on all parameters.” Hawk Mk-132 is the latest entry into HAL made and maintained aircraft and helicopters of the Indian Navy which include Kiran and DO 228 aircraft, advanced light helicopter (ALH), Chetak and Cheetah helicopters. In addition HAL has also supported the Navy in upgrade of Sea Harrier.

Vice Admiral Chatterjee said the Navy has a long-standing and unique partnership with HAL. “We will continue to work shoulder to shoulder for all our current and future programmes. Hawk delivered today will have a pride of place in the Navy’s fleet. Given the fruitful association with HAL, we will even think of reviving past projects.”

Against the contract for supplying 17 Hawk aircraft, HAL plans to deliver five aircraft in the current fiscal and balance in next three years to the Indian Navy.