The Royal Navy acquired thirteen Hawk T.Mk 1/1As from the RAF, for use as aerial targets for the training of ships gunners and radar operators. They belong to the Fleet Requirements and Direction Unit (FRADU) which  is operated by the contractor Serco Defence and Aerospace, the Bae Hawk T1's are on lease to the Royal Navy from the Royal Air Force and are based at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall.

FRADU provides training for the Royal Navy, such as simulated attacks on Royal Navy ships and training air controllers and Airborne Early Warning (AEW) exercises, and Helicopter Fighter Affiliation training.

Two of these aircraft are permanently detached to Naval Flying Standards Flight (fixed wing) at RNAS Yeovilton where they are flown by RN pilots, but maintained by Serco engineers. NFSF(FW) is responsible for the Flying Standards of all Fixed Wing Aircraft (as opposed to Helicopters) operated by and for the Royal Navy, including Harrier GR9, Hawk T1, Jetstream T2 and T3, Grob G115D2 and a variety of Historic Aircraft.

Professionally qualified pilots have their skills tested annually by standards to ensure their skills are still up to scratch. The Unit acts as agents for the Central Flying School (CFS) based at RAF Cranwell.

Using the two Hawks, NFSF(FW) conducts Fast Jet Continuation Training, Fast Jet Familiarisation, conversion of Pilots from Helicopter to Fast Jet (Air 309 Course), and provides Radar Targets for the Harrier GR9. The Unit flies a wide variety of Fleet Support tasks including Ship Attack for Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) and Joint Maritime Contribution Exercises (JMC), Fighter Controller Training (called 'D' School) and Helicopter Pilot Fighter Affiliation.

NFSF(FW) is also responsible for Pilot conversions onto the Jetstream, Historic Aircraft as well as continuation training for Fast Jet Royal Navy Reserve (RNR) Pilots. RNR pilots normally fly airliners, but also fly for the Royal Navy for a few weeks every year.