Minister for Defence, the Hon Christopher Pyne MP, today announced the completion of the final aircraft in a significant modification program for the Royal Australian Air Force fleet of Hawk Lead-In Fighter aircraft.
Minister Pyne said the milestone was important in ensuring we have a world-class training capability.
"Completion of the aircraft modification program means the Lead-In Fighter training capability is well positioned to support Air Force's fast-jet pilots for transition to the next generation of fighter aircraft including the Joint Strike Fighter, Super Hornet and Growler capabilities," Minister Pyne said.
"The aircraft upgrades commenced in 2014, as part of a Lead-In Fighter Capability Assurance Program which also included the delivery of new flight simulators for the Hawk-127 fleet."
"The program is valued at $365 million and provided employment for over 40 Industry personnel within Australia including at BAE Systems Australia and its suppliers."
Operated by Numbers 76 and 79 Squadrons at RAAF Bases Williamtown (NSW) and Pearce (WA), the Hawk fleet comprises 33 aircraft and is used to train qualified RAAF pilots to operate the next generation of fighter aircraft.
