It is important not to view the Hawk 200 in isolation. It simply doesnt make the cut for air defence if its is going to face any reasonable opposition alone. It makes sense to some airforces which already operate the Hawk trainers. Supersonic speeds are not a necessity – Harrier is a good example.
I think a country like Sri Lanka would have greatly benefitted with Hawk LIFTs. Those guys need light strike capability over a limited distance. If funds permit they could also obtain some AAMs to equip the hawks as well. In case of Sri Lanka Hawks can fulfilled the roles played by Kfir, MiG-27, F-7, Pucara, Machettis and K-8 😀
Comparing it to MiG-27ML or other strikers is not a good idea too – if you compare in isolation. In India the need for a *slow* striking aircraft was sourly felt in the Kargil war, when the jocks had to fly tight corners high in the Himalays. The Floggers were simply not agile enough. On top of that MiG-21/23/27s had a larger IR signature and I am sure a much higher sound signature too. That time we were still operating Hunters in the No.2 Target Towing Wing. Two of these had to activated and flown from the east right to the operational area for any eventuality.
Another example where an armed Hawk can be useful is for UAV interception. The IAF in the past activated Iskras (now retired) for the role. Currently Mi-35s train for UAV interception in IAF.
For the RAF/IAF the commonality of engine parts with Jaguars also helps.
Any better pictures of this awesome camo? 😮
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