Hawk, the world’s most successful and proven military aircraft trainer, will continue to train Australia’s frontline fighter pilots through to 2031 after a A$1.5 billion (£794m) commitment by the Australian Government.

Hawk, the world’s most successful and proven military aircraft trainer, will continue to train Australia’s frontline fighter pilots through to 2031 after a A$1.5 billion (£794m) commitment by the Australian Government. BAE Systems’ Australian engineering teams, supported by teams in the UK, will deliver a programme of software and hardware upgrades to the Australian 33-strong Mk 127 Hawk fleet to ensure it continues to deliver highly-trained pilots to fly fast jets including the F-35 Lightning II.

The new contract includes the continuation of the existing in-service support, providing maintenance, engineering and supply chain services to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and provides the foundation for progressive upgrades of mission systems. A Rolls-Royce 951 Adour engine upgrade for the Australian fleet will be incorporated by 2025 and will align the aircraft with the UK Royal Air Force’s T2 Hawk aircraft.