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BAE Systems tie-up with Gamco likely

ABU DHABI — BAE Systems is working on a joint venture company with Abu Dhabi based GAMCO for the repair and maintenance of HAWK aircraft used for training by the UAE Air Force.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, Simon Keith Managing Director BAE Systems Middle East said that in the first phase Hawk aircraft would be repaired and maintained in the UAE and in later stage the scope of the company would be expanded to fighter aircraft-Mirage-2000 and F-16s. Keith said that the joint venture would cater to the maintenance needs of the entire GCC region where all the nations use Hawk aircraft for training purposes.

He said last week BAE System won a contract amounting to $1 billion to supply 60 HAWK to India.

He said that BAE Systems’ Land Services business is demonstrating its capability in integrated land defence systems for the first time at Idex 2005. Formed by the amalgamation of BAE Systems’ RO Defence division and Alvis Vickers, the new Land Systems division is exhibiting a number of vehicles at the show, including, for the first time in the Middle East, the M777 lightweight towed 155mm artillery gun. Other vehicles displayed at IDEX are the RG-12, RG-32M and Tactica vehicles. The RG-12 has been upgraded to meet specific Middle East requirements, while over 600 RG-32Ms are deployed worldwide with the United Nations and other security forces. The Tactica can carry up to 14 people and has been operational for over 10 years.

“By bringing together the combined capabilities of RO Defence and Alvis Vickers, the new Land Systems business is a new world leader in the provision of complete solutions for integrated land defence systems," said Trevor Harrision, Managing Director Land Systems.