Dubai AirshowSaab, 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 training program in the United Kingdom. The agreement sets out plans to jointly pursue new approaches to pilot training for the RAF.
The collaboration aims to deliver training solutions that integrate both live and synthetic environments. The companies will also support further opportunities for international pilot training, leveraging the T-7 aircraft system as a core element.
BAE Systems will take the lead in the initiative, which includes establishing a UK-based final assembly line for the training system. This move is expected to generate high-value jobs within the United Kingdom.
The T-7A Red Hawk, developed by Boeing and Saab, was selected by the US Air Force in 2018 as its advanced pilot training system. The platform’s modular design and digital architecture are intended to meet evolving training requirements.
The initiative comes as the UK prepares to replace its fleet of Hawk T2 aircraft and the remaining Hawk T1s used by the Red Arrows display team.
The UK Ministry of Defence briefly referenced the need to replace the Hawks in a recent defense report. A formal competition for the acquisition is expected to launch in 2026, with a project team already established to begin preparations.
The Red Arrows’ Hawk T1 aircraft date from the late 1970s and must be replaced by 2030 to maintain operational capability. The RAF currently operates 28 Hawk T2s, which are also due for replacement.
The advanced trainer jet market currently includes aircraft such as the KAI T-50, the TAI Hürjet, and the Leonardo M-346, among others.
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