2017 BAe press release: "Qatar is to buy Hawk trainer jets"

[Stratofreighter]

http://www.janes.com/article/74774/qata ... t-trainers

Qatar’s recent letter of intent (LOI) for the procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft also included the provision of six previously undisclosed BAE Systems Hawk jet trainers.

The inclusion of the Hawks was revealed in a wider BAE Systems communique announcing organizational changes within the company that was issued on 10 October.

“Discussions with current and prospective customers continue to support our expectations for additional Typhoon and Hawk orders, including the recently announced statement of intent by Qatar to purchase 24 Typhoon aircraft […that] also included the intention to purchase six Hawk aircraft,” the press release said.

BAE Systems has revealed a tentative order from Qatar for six examples of its Hawk trainer,
but the manufacturer is cutting output of the type, as well as of the Eurofighter Typhoon,
in a bid to maintain production into the next decade.

Qatar in late September signalled its intention to order 24 Typhoons, in a deal which also includes six Hawks, says BAE.

Currently being assembled for Oman and Saudi Arabia, Hawk production is secure until 2019, says the airframer.

With the proposed slowdown, and the addition of the Qatari aircraft to the backlog, BAE will be able to maintain its Warton final assembly activities for the trainer until 2021.

However, the company cautions that it needs to receive a firm order from the Gulf state next year to avoid a break in production.