Wasn't there a plan to equip our Hawks(both IAF & IN) with air-to-air missiles(ASRAAMs!!)?
No requirement (official or unofficial) from either service.
There was some talk about adapting the Hawk for the light attack role iirc. It could have been a marketing ploy by BAE Systems.
But would have been two vulnerable in that role, except perhaps counter insurgency missions.
We have refrained from using AHs for COIN so an armed Hawk taking out terrorist bunkers is hard to imagine.
Not according to Team Livefist:
“We have had quite a few joint discussions between HAL, the IAF, BAE Systems and us. The ASRAAM fit is easier. The launchers that the IAF uses are compatible with the ASRAAM. There is some integration work required, but it’s simpler. The IAF would like to take advantage of its in service ASRAAM on other assets. The Brimstone is designed to deploy off fast jets. That’s why the IAF wants it,” said a senior MBDA official.
IAF Wants Brimstone & ASRAAM On Its Hawk Trainers - Livefist
The Indian Air Force is exploring the possibility of slinging six Brimstone and a pair of ASRAAMs on its over 120 Hawk jet trainers. Senior MBDA officials tell Livefist that the IAF is engaged in detailed discussions on a potential program that the company says will be a low-cost/time that…
www.livefistdefence.com
I have also seen pics of Hawk-I with SAAWs. So
Not according to Team Livefist:
“We have had quite a few joint discussions between HAL, the IAF, BAE Systems and us. The ASRAAM fit is easier. The launchers that the IAF uses are compatible with the ASRAAM. There is some integration work required, but it’s simpler. The IAF would like to take advantage of its in service ASRAAM on other assets. The Brimstone is designed to deploy off fast jets. That’s why the IAF wants it,” said a senior MBDA official.
IAF Wants Brimstone & ASRAAM On Its Hawk Trainers - Livefist
The Indian Air Force is exploring the possibility of slinging six Brimstone and a pair of ASRAAMs on its over 120 Hawk jet trainers. Senior MBDA officials tell Livefist that the IAF is engaged in detailed discussions on a potential program that the company says will be a low-cost/time that…
I have also seen pics of Hawk-I with SAAWs. So
They discussed a possibility which didn't move forward.
There are 2 major issues
1. For the training roles, we do not have enough hawks. And as Kiran's retire, scene will worsen.
2. Arming with a wvr is pretty much useless. For it to be able to be used in any combat it will need the very basic rwr and cmds combo atleast. Just arming it with a wvr serves no purpose.