GE Aviation successfully completed its first transfer of avionics manufacture and support capability to the Advanced Electronics Company (AEC) in Saudi Arabia for the T-165 Hawk.

Mission critical avionics assemblies are being produced locally in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by AEC for use on BAE Systems Hawk T-165 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft. The production of the assemblies, which are integral to the Multi-Functional Displays found in each Hawk cockpit, also represents the first time Saudi assemblies have been fitted to an aircraft in production in the UK.

“This close co-operation with AEC commenced in 2013 and has demonstrated a strong collaboration on which future initiatives can be developed,” said Paul Laity, executive product leader for GE Aviation. “As part of the wider BAE Systems Hawk programme, this initiative further strengthens GE's relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

GE works closely with BAE Systems on both the Hawk and Typhoon programmes. In both cases industrialization is now a typical customer requirement. The ability of GE to leverage local capability and form strong relationships is a key enabler for future success in the export market.