‘Hawk shows our commitment to technology transfer’

High on the success of nearly $700 million M777 Howitzer gun deal, John Brosnan, Managing Director (India & South-East Asia), BAE Systems, said the UK-based defence conglomerate is also eyeing future projects in India.

In an interview with BusinessLine, Brosnan said he is keen on expanding the Hawk programme in partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Excerpts:

Now that you have officially announced your partnership with Mahindra for the supply of 145 M777 Howitzer guns for an estimated $700 million, what next?

What are your plans? When and where is the AIT facility expected to come up?

The Foreign Military Sale of the M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer is now at a mature stage of discussion and our focus is to support the two governments – India and the United States — to progress this procurement to contract agreement. Simultaneously, we are working with Mahindra to finalise details of the Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) facility and to firm up the terms of the arrangement.

We are looking forward to beginning the process of ‘Make in India’ for M777 and supporting Mahindra on this fundamental part of the M777 programme in India, which will enable the Indian Army to access maintenance, spares and support for the M777 locally.

What is the progress of talks between you and Ministry of Defence to sell 20 additional Hawk Mk-132 training aircraft for the Indian Air Force for a reported $500 million?

Negotiations are ongoing for agreement on product supply and services to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for 20 Made-in-India Hawk advanced jet trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force’s prestigious aerobatics team the new Surya Kiran.

We are very proud that the Hawk, which has trained generations of fast jet pilots, will also lend a hand to the Armed Forces in inspiring young women and men to consider careers in military aviation.

Are you also in talks with HAL to co-produce variants of the Hawk trainer in addition to upgrading the Jaguar aircraft and setting up joint ventures for producing spare parts and foray into logistics in India?

Yes, in May 2015, BAE Systems and HAL signed a memorandum of understanding that signposted our joint ambitions surrounding the Hawk programme in India.

This covered a number of areas for potential future development, including an advanced version of Hawk. Positive discussions continue with HAL in all areas.

Are there also plans to expand the project and sell some more advanced jet trainers?

With 123 aircraft ordered to date, 106 aircraft for the Indian Air Force and 17 for the Indian Navy, India is the largest operator of the Hawk advanced jet trainer.

Our partnership with HAL is a compelling story of the success of technology and capability sharing and we are excited to explore several new future opportunities on the Hawk platform with HAL.

What about your plans to start exporting Hawks from India? When do you foresee that happening?

It is for HAL to decide. Both parties believe there is a potential market for the advanced Hawk.

Is there also a possibility to manufacture Combat Hawks at HAL? What about technology transfer and cost?

Yes, our joint ambitions with HAL surrounding the Hawk programme in India include an advanced version of Hawk.

Whilst the business model is under discussion between the two companies, I think our track record on Hawk illustrates our commitment to technology transfer and supporting ‘Make in India’.

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