Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

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.
Insights by Ground AI

13 Articles

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…

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 100% of the sources are Center
100% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Flight Global broke the news in on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal