UK defence group signs jet deal with HAL

Boosting bilateral defence ties, a major aircraft deal was signed between India and the United Kingdom at the headquarters of India's leading defence aircraft manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), on Wednesday in Bangalore. The 700-million-pound deal would enable the UK's premier defence manufactures, BAE Systems, along with the Rolls Royce group, to supply 57 Hawk jets for the Indian armed forces - Air Force and Navy. This deal has lent a big fillip to Indo-UK defence ties and is the first of the many trade agreements proposed by British Prime Minister David Cameron on his first visit to India since taking office in May.