The U.K. Ministry of Defence awarded BAE Systems a four-year contract worth £111 million to support and maintain 28 new Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) aircraft operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF). Under this Hawk In-Service Support contract, BAE Systems is responsible for ensuring that the AJT fleet, also known as Hawk TMk2, is available for training the RAF's fast jet pilots at RAF Valley. The contract runs until 2014. The RAF received the first of its 28 Hawk TMk2 aircraft in the summer of 2009. With 22 aircraft delivered to date, the final aircraft will be delivered to RAF this year.
The Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer produces less noise and emissions than any other jet trainer and has lower acquisition, operating, and support costs, according to BAE Systems.