(a) whether the inability of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to meet the delivery
schedule of the Hawk-132 advanced jet trainer has delayed the pilot training programme of
Indian Air Force;
(b) if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps being taken by the Government to meet the delivery schedule?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI A.K. ANTONY)
(a) to (c): The Hawk Mk-132 Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) was inducted into the IAF in 2008
as a fighter trainer with the aim to replace the Kiran Mk-II / MiG-21 route of training.
Keeping in view the delay in delivery of Hawk by HAL due to receipt of defective components,
jigs and fixtures from the foreign manufacturer on whom liquidated damages were levied, the
original training plan by Hawk for 2010-2011 has been modified and pilots of the Indian Air
Force (IAF) are being trained on the MiG-21 aircraft. Induction of aircraft for training
in the Indian Air Force is a continuous process.