US sanctions affecting GKN Westland support of Sea Kings operated by the Indian navy are threatening a potential Indian purchase of BAE Systems Hawk trainers.
The UK Ministry of Defence says it "is requesting US flexibility" to allow GKN Westland to supply spares and return overhauled gearboxes from a factory in the UK. The helicopter is built under licence from Sikorsky. The problem has been caused by a US embargo on India following its May 1998 nuclear tests. There are no UK sanctions on India.
A BAE source says the company has not been officially informed that the Hawk has been selected as the Indian air force's Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT), although it continues to talk to the air force and defence ministry. India has a requirement to remove US equipment to limit the embargo impact on the AJT programme.
Source: Flight International
