LONDON: Britain-based BAE Systems has enhanced its partnership with Malaysian-owned SME Aerospace Sdn Bhd (SMEA) with further orders for 120 Hawk aircraft weapon pylons.
SMEA, an aerospace manufacturing company located in Sungai Buloh near Kuala Lumpur, is one of BAE's key sub-contractors on the Hawk aircraft programme.
BAE Systems managing director for the Asia-Pacific region, Steve Meighan, said SMEA had secured more than RM70mil worth of orders from BAE in recent years.
He said this figure was set to increase with the signing of a contract for BAE to supply Hawk fast jet trainers to the Indian Air Force last month.
“Hawk is Britain's number one export product.
“The aircraft has benefited from continual technological development throughout its lifespan and is a proven trainer for fighter pilots in 18 countries, including Malaysia,” Meighan said at the Farnborough Air Show here on Tuesday.
SMEA is one of the exhibitors at the annual international aerospace trade fair here. The latest Hawk pylons contract will run from February 2006 to December 2007.
Tan Sri Ahmad Johan, president of National Aerospace Defence Industries Sdn Bhd, the parent company of SMEA, said SMEA had provided underwing pylons for just about every BAE Hawk sold around the world since 1997.
“The pylon work package involves the manufacture of details, sub-assembly and final assembly of the complete pylon, including the installation and testing of the electrical systems,” he said.
BAE has been transferring highly sophisticated technology to SMEA since 1993 under the Hawk offset programme.
Since that first programme, SMEA has been winning contract after contract on a competitive bid basis.
SMEA is today the single source supplier of these pylons for all BAE Hawk aircraft sold worldwide. – Bernama
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