BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab to Train Next Generation of RAF Pilots
BAE Systems leads a consortium with Boeing and Saab to deliver the T-7 Trainer with UK-based assembly, aiming to replace aging Hawk trainers and support future RAF pilots, officials said.
- On November 18, 2025, BAE Systems, Boeing and Saab announced at DSEI in London a collaboration to offer the T‑7 to the Royal Air Force with UK-based final assembly at Warton Airfield.
- The move follows persistent Hawk availability issues as the Hawk T2 has suffered engine reliability problems, and the 2025 Strategic Defence Review committed to a new cost-effective trainer with RAF leadership urging a sooner replacement.
- The companies point to the platform's digital, modular design and an integrated live/virtual/constructive training environment to prepare aircrew for fourth‑ to sixth‑generation fighters, with IOC slated for 2027.
- If selected, the programme would expand UK domestic supply‑chain participation and create skilled jobs while providing a worthy successor as Red Arrows' Hawk T1 withdrawal 2030 approaches.
- Recent defence moves—including Turkey's 20 Typhoon order and a runway just under 4,000 feet—keep the UK AJT contest highly competitive, with other bidders like the Turkish Hürjet, Leonardo's M‑345/M‑346, and Aeralis.
13 Articles
13 Articles
BAE, Boeing and Saab offer T-7 for UK Hawk replacement
BAE Systems, Boeing and Saab have agreed a Letter of Intent to mount a joint bid for the Royal Air Force’s next fast-jet trainer, proposing a UK-assembled version of the T-7 as the core of a new, integrated training system. The partnership aims to meet the requirement for a new Advanced Jet Trainer set out in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review and position the three firms to compete for future international training contracts. The companies plan …
The British armaments company BAE Systems is working with Boeing and Saab to develop a successor to the Hawk training aircraft. The three companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation. The design is based on the T-7, which Boeing and Saab jointly developed for the US Air Force.
Like France, Great Britain is a major European nation in the history of aviation, even though for several years it has lost a lot of its superb. The last pitfall dates the decision of BAE Systems to formalize an industrial and commercial alliance with Boeing around its T-7A Red Hawk. [...] This content Will an American jet replace the Hawk T2 in the Royal Air Force ? was first published on legendary aircraft.net - Encyclopaedia of military aviat…
Saab, Boeing and BAE Systems sign intent letter for RAF pilot training with T-7A Red Hawk
Saab, Boeing, and BAE Systems signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on the Royal Air Force’s pilot… The post Saab, Boeing and BAE Systems sign intent letter for RAF pilot training with T-7A Red Hawk appeared first on Air Data News.
BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab Form Strategic Partnership to Supply Next-Generation Fast-Jet Trainer for the RAF
BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab Form Strategic Partnership to Supply Next-Generation Fast-Jet Trainer for the RAF (IN BRIEF) BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab have formalized a Letter of Intent to jointly support the UK Royal Air Force’s fast-jet pilot training program, using the advanced T-7 aircraft as the foundation of a new high-performance aviation training system. The initiative places BAE Systems at the helm of final assembly in the UK and will…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium



