BAE Hawk. Photo source: BAE Systems
Oct 10, 2017 Bilal Khan
As part of its letter-of-intent (LOI) to acquire 24
Eurofighter Typhoon fighter aircraft, Qatar also requested six Hawk trainers
from BAE. The request was disclosed by
BAE Systems, which also announced that it will enter a reorganization phase
that will see the company trim 2,000 jobs to adjust with a thinner pipeline.
In regards to the prospective Qatari order, BAE Systems
added that it is in negotiations with Doha, which – if successfully conclude –
would lead to a contract to sustain Typhoon jobs.
However, it cautioned that “timing of future orders is
always uncertain.” Most of the job reduction (i.e. 1,400 roles) will occur in
BAE Systems’ Military Air business over the next three years.
BAE’s new chief executive Charles Woodburn stated
(via Financial
Times – subscription required) stated that the job layoffs
“align workforce capacity with near-term demand and to enhance our competitive
position to secure new business.” Financial Times reports that engineering jobs
will not be lost.
BAE is currently fulfilling outstanding Typhoon orders
from the Royal Air Force and Oman, with the latter – along with Saudi Arabia –
also accounting for remaining Hawk orders.
Notes & Comments:
Qatar is likely seeking the BAE Hawk to supplant the
Dassault Alpha Jet in the advanced training and light ground-attack roles.
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) had demonstrated the
JF-17 Thunder in Qatar in 2016, with aviation journalist Alan Warnes reporting that
the PAF was aiming at the Alpha Jet. The BAE Hawk request effectively shuts the
door on that possibility, and expectedly so seeing that the entirety of the
Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF)’s modernization efforts comprise of top-tier Western fighters.
In regards to BAE’s reorganization, the company is
echoing the U.K. government’s drive to boost defence exports by improving
competitiveness. Controlling cost is a critical aspect of the Type 31e frigate,
which the U.K. government is pushing as an affordable export solution. For the
U.K., lower-cost goods alongside export credit/loans and economic offsets or
countertrade would be areas of focus with prospective buyers in the Middle
East, Central Europe and Asia. However, next to the U.S.’ dominance in these
markets, the U.K. will also have to contend with Eastern solutions and
homegrown initiatives. For the U.K. growing its share in the European NATO
market would be the most accessible avenue for refilling its orderbook.
Original post: quwa.org
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