RAF to Replace Hawk T1 and T2 Aircraft with £360 Million T-7A Red Hawk Programme

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The UK Government will allocate an investment of £360 million to replace the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Hawk T1 and T2 training aircraft. This substantial funding package will support the procurement of a new multi-role aircraft platform through the Jet Training System programme. The plan therefore sets out the key elements of the current strategic approach.

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Hawk T1 and Hawk T2 service with the RAF

The Hawk T1 squadrons flown by the Royal Air Force’s Red Arrows aerobatic team are expected to remain in active service until the end of 2029. BAE Systems’ aircraft replaced the Folland Gnat as the Red Arrows’ aircraft in 1980. Meanwhile, RAF Hawk T2 units have provided advanced training for fighter pilots since entering institutional service. Following several upgrade programmes, these aircraft now feature AIM-9L missile systems and advanced avionics.

The fleet replacement process

In March 2024, the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that it had begun an assessment process to replace the Hawk T2 trainer. The manufacturer stated that Hawk fleet production ended in 2000. Under the Defence Investment Plan, the Government will invest “£360 million for the full recapitalisation of the jet aircraft training system, in order to provide training at both national and international level, with significant UK participation in carrying out the work”. The official document also states: “We will have new aircraft for the Red Arrows to replace the old Hawk aircraft”.

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British interest is consequently focused on bids from suppliers with a strong industrial presence in the United Kingdom. Boeing and Saab have therefore held preliminary discussions with local company BAE Systems. The central aim of these talks is a potential partnership centred on the Swedish-American consortium’s T-7A Red Hawk jet. As a result, this aircraft has emerged as the possible replacement for the RAF’s current Hawk T2 fleet.

Industrial alliance and UK production

More recently, in July this year, BAE Systems, Boeing and Saab formalised a new industrial alliance. The group will develop a dedicated British variant of the T-7A Red Hawk for the RAF. This industrial agreement followed the earlier signing of a Letter of Intent in November 2025. With this co-operation now in place, the T-7 Red Hawk has strengthened its position as the future replacement for the Hawk fleet.

The three-way partnership between BAE Systems, Boeing and Saab will directly incorporate the UK industrial sector. The project provides for final assembly and integration of T-7A Red Hawk jets in the United Kingdom. In addition, the manufacturing programme will create new highly skilled jobs in the domestic aerospace sector. This strategy ensures the logistical autonomy required by the armed forces.

T-7A Red Hawk training capabilities

The T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Pilot Training System meets the technical requirements of the US Air Force (USAF). The American platform is used to train pilots for stealth fighters as well as modern bombers. Its instructor and trainee seats are arranged in a stadium-style configuration. Lastly, the aircraft incorporates modern avionics, advanced display systems and a comprehensive integrated training system.

Photographs used for illustrative purposes.