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BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab have committed to working with the UK Royal Air Force as part of their fast-jet trainer program.
On Tuesday, the three companies signed a letter of intent that seeks to leverage the T-7 Redhawk as the core training system for RAF pilots. The agreement will see the UK’s current Hawk T2 aircraft being replaced as the primary military training jet.
“Our new collaboration with Boeing and Saab will enable us to present a compelling offer to the UK Royal Air Force and our global customers, leveraging the latest tech innovation in training systems and a world-class jet trainer aircraft,” said Simon Barnes, managing director at BAE Systems’ air sector.
“We’re committed to ensuring this solution offers the best overall outcome for the nation to support the UK’s combat air readiness and deliver economic benefit.”
The requirement for new jets was established in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, which seeks to strengthen the nation’s defence capabilities and localise industrial base. BAE Systems will lead production, with a collaborative approach to see the training and mission system being integrated into the aircraft.
“This collaboration enhances the best of our technological capabilities, strengthens the trans-Atlantic industrial base and offers opportunities for cooperative development,” said Bernd Peters, vice president of business development and strategy at Boeing Defence, Space & Security.
This agreement is a committed display by industry to strengthen the UK supply chain, boosting jobs and national economies while increasing defence capacity.
“The strong partnership between Boeing and Saab developed the T-7 to be the world’s best solution for future pilot training. By working with BAE Systems, Saab believes the UK can gain a worthy successor to the Hawk that is the right choice for pilots for decades to come,” said Lars Tossman, head of business aeronautics at Saab.
The T-7A Red Hawk was chosen by the US Air Force in 2018 to anchor its next-generation pilot training program, with the UK now following in America’s footsteps. Designed as a fully integrated “live, virtual and constructive” training platform, the aircraft supports fourth, fifth, and emerging sixth-generation aircrews.
