Encouraged by Prime Minister Modi’s call to Make in India, BAE Systems’ showcase at the tenth edition of Aero India extends its Make in India commitment to a range of platforms and technologies.
Building on the success of its flagship programme in India on the Hawk advanced jet trainer , the Company’s Pavilion emphasizes the continued development of Hawk’s training, performance and operational capabilities. Marking the Company’s continued progress in partnering Bharat Electronic Limited in the country’s first ‘Make India’ programme, Tactical Communications Systems, the pavilion will dedicate a section to the “Internet for the battlespace” or secure, deployable broadband voice, data and video communications systems.
India is the largest operator of the Hawk advanced jet trainer with 123 aircraft ordered to date, of which over 90 have been delivered to the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy. The Indian Hawks in service have clocked up over 75,000 flying hours. BAE Systems has commenced contract negotiations with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on a potential order to supply products and services for the manufacture of a further 20 Hawk aircraft. The aircraft, to be built by HAL in Bengaluru, will fulfil the Indian Air Force’s requirement for its prestigious aerobatic team.
Making its debut this year is the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS™) rocket. Developed as a highly cost-effective solution that leverages the military’s existing infrastructure and inventory, the APKWS rocket turns a standard unguided 2.75-inch (70 millimeter) rocket into a precision laser-guided rocket to give warfighters a low-cost surgical strike capability. Currently in its third year of full rate production, the APKWS rocket has been successfully demonstrated on more than a dozen fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms including AH-64 Apache, the F-16, the Bell 407, and the AH-1W. Building on in-theater success by the U.S. Marines, the APKWS rocket has been chosen by The Kingdom of Jordan for its CASA-235 light gunship aircraft.
The Company’s showcase this year has an array of equipment targeted towards India’s rapidly expanding military helicopter fleet. This includes the S3000 and Mission Adaptable Crew Seats (MACS). The Striker helmet-mounted display (HMD) too will be present at the Show. Now in service on the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Striker provides comfort, protection, and helmet stability for both fixed- and rotary-wing platforms such as the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Apache and the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
In addition, on display will be Broadsword SPINE™, connected electronic equipment for the clothing of armed forces, fire and rescue services, and law enforcement.
Leading BAE Systems’ participation at South Asia’s premier air show is Chris Boardman – Managing Director, Military Air and Information, along with Stephen Timms, Managing Director - Defence Information, Training and Services, John Brosnan - Managing Director, India and South East Asia, Dean McCumiskey - Director, Business Development, Military Air and Information, Michael Christie – Director Strategy & Market Development and Chief Technologist , and Mark Simpkins -Vice President and General Manager, India.
Chris Boardman, Managing Director, Military Air and Information, said, “We have a long history of working with industry in India. Through our various programmes we have worked closely together to develop skills and capabilities in the Defence Industry. Our commitment to this will not change and India remains central to our future strategy.”
John Brosnan, Managing Director, India & South East Asia, said, “The backdrop of Make in India at the show this time makes it an excellent platform for us to strengthen existing partnerships and activate new ones.”