London-based BAE Systems Ltd. announced an agreement on Wednesday to maintain and support Hawk training planes in the United Arab Emirates.
BAE will contract with the UAE-based Advanced Military Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Center, or AMMROC, to provide repairs and upgrades to Hawk Mk61, Mk102 and Mk63 aircraft at a facility in Abu Dhabi until 2020.
The facility is on the grounds of Al Ain International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
The single-engine, jet-powered advanced technology aircraft is typically used for training, although it also can serve as a light combat aircraft.
About 1,000 British-built Hawk planes are in service with 18 governments around the world for training pilots to fly larger and more advanced fighter planes. The Hawk planes feature a variety of simulators for realistic combat scenarios.
The contract with AMMROC — owned by Emirates Defense Industries Corp., Lockheed Martin Corp. and the Lockheed Martin subsidiary Sikorsky — will include training and maintenance programs to customers.
"This agreement builds on the strong partnership we've had with AMMROC since 2013 and provides a platform for our continued assistance in support of the current Hawk fleet in the UAE," Mike Swales, Hawk International Program director at BAE Systems, said in a press release. "It will strengthen and enhance the collaborative work between our two organizations in the long-term maintenance of the aircraft."
We are proud to continue supporting the #UAE's Hawk training aircraft fleet through an agreement with the Advanced Military Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Center LLC (AMMROC). @DubaiAirshow #DAS17 pic.twitter.com/1eHCSHhlMH- BAE Systems Gulf (@BAESystems_Gulf) November 14, 2017
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