THE first aircraft have landed at RAF Leeming to join the new joint Qatar Emiri Air Force-RAF Hawk Training Squadron.

Aiming to train pilots from both air forces, the joint Hawk Training Squadron will initially commence with a group of Qatar Emiri Air Force student pilots. It will eventually be home to nine of Qatar’s Hawk T2 Mk167 aircraft, which are being produced by BAE Systems in the UK.

The squadron will provide the Qatar Emiri Air Force access to world-class UK flying training and provide RAF personnel with access to additional aircraft flying hours. It will also see long-term investment in the station’s infrastructure and training facilities, which date back to 1939.

Station Commander at RAF Leeming Group Captain Blythe Crawford said: “I am delighted to welcome our Qatari friends to RAF Leeming and to work in partnership with BAE Systems to deliver world class flying training in support of both the Qatar Emiri Air Force and RAF.

“This presents an exciting opportunity to share our expertise and training and the arrival of the Joint Hawk Training Squadron will be a terrific boost to Leeming as well as the local community.

“We look forward to showing them everything North Yorkshire has to offer and to continue the flying training legacy of Leeming and the wider Vale of York."

The news accompanies the impending retirement of the earlier version of the Hawk, the Mark 1 in March next year. Although it looks similar, the Mark 2 is more technologically advanced and has a higher performance.

Manufacturing the aircraft and the new squadron at Leeming will support thousands of jobs in the UK, primarily in the North of England.