BAE Systems, Boeing and Saab sign RAF T-7A Red Hawk training Letter of Intent

BAE Systems, Boeing and Saab have entered into a Letter of Intent to work together on the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) advanced jet trainer programme, placing the T-7A Red Hawk at the heart of its prospective future training system. The agreement is intended to bring together training capabilities and related mission systems, while considering ways to broaden the United Kingdom supply chain.

UK assembly and RAF training capability

BAE Systems will head the project, which envisages opening a final assembly line in the UK and generating high-value employment. “Our new collaboration with Boeing and Saab will allow us to present a strong offer to the Royal Air Force and our global customers, leveraging the latest technological innovation in training systems and a world-class jet trainer. We are committed to ensuring that this solution delivers the best outcome for the nation, supports the UK’s air combat readiness, and generates economic benefits,” said Simon Barnes, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Air sector.

Bernd Peters, Vice President of Business Development and Strategy at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, said: “Together with Saab and now BAE Systems, we will offer innovative training solutions to prepare RAF pilots for the future, including fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-generation aircraft. This collaboration enhances our technological capabilities, strengthens the transatlantic industrial base, and opens opportunities for cooperative developments.”

Lars Tossman, Head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area, added: “The strong partnership between Boeing and Saab developed the T-7 as the world’s best solution for training future pilots. By working with BAE Systems, Saab believes the UK can acquire a suitable successor to the Hawk, which will be the right choice for pilots for decades to come.”

The requirement for a replacement advanced trainer was set out in the United Kingdom’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review. Chosen by the U.S. Air Force in 2018, the T-7A Red Hawk is an integrated training system designed for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation aircraft. Its configuration can be adapted as technology develops and operational demands change, equipping pilots who will go on to fly advanced fighters and bombers.

Background to the negotiations

Sources disclosed in August that Boeing and Saab had begun preliminary discussions with BAE Systems about possible collaboration to replace the BAE Hawk T2 in RAF service. The Hawk fleet, which is also operated by the Red Arrows aerobatic team, ended production in 2000. The 2024 Strategic Review called for progress on a replacement, with particular emphasis on bids incorporating industrial participation in the UK.

While there was no formal deal at that stage, cooperation between the three businesses was regarded as an important development in the European military trainer market. A BAE Systems spokesperson said at the time that the company did not comment on rumours or speculation, while reiterating training’s importance to its air strategy. Saab likewise declined to make detailed comments, referring to the confidential nature of its Boeing partnership on the T-7A.

T-7A Red Hawk as a potential Hawk T2 replacement

In March 2024, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that the RAF was examining options to replace the Hawk T2 through an integrated training approach combining live flying with virtual capabilities.

The Letter of Intent formally advances the process towards the possible adoption of the T-7A Red Hawk as the RAF’s next advanced jet trainer.

Images for illustrative purposes only.

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