The Royal Australian Air Force has introduced its first 14 BAE Systems Hawk 127 lead-in-fighter trainers into operational service on 22 November. Australia placed an A$850 million ($441 million) order for 33 aircraft in 1997. Costs have risen to A$1.03 billion due to exchange rate fluctuations. The final 21 aircraft are being assembled at the Hawk's RAAF Williamtown base north of Sydney.
Source: Flight International