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T-7 to replace RAF Hawk
Saab, Boeing and BAE Systems have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on the Royal Air Force fast-jet trainer programme, leveraging T-7 as the core of the training system and creating a path for three companies to support future international pilot training opportunities.
Saab, Boeing and BAE Systems will offer innovative training solutions to best prepare RAF pilots for the future international pilot training opportunities.
“Together, Boeing with Saab and now BAE Systems will offer innovative training solutions to best prepare RAF pilots for the future, including advanced fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation fighters,” said Bernd Peters, vice president of Boeing Defense, Space & Security’s Business Development & Strategy. “This collaboration enhances the best of our technological capabilities, strengthens the transatlantic industrial base and offers opportunities for cooperative development.”
The requirement for a new UK Advanced Jet Trainer was set out in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review. BAE Systems will lead the activity, which will include a UK-based final assembly, creating high-value jobs in the UK. The companies will collaborate on a training system integrating live and synthetic training capability and associated mission systems and will explore further opportunities for growing the UK supply chain on the aircraft.
The world’s best solution for future pilot training
“The strong partnership between Boeing and Saab developed the T-7 to be the world’s best solution for future pilot training. By working with BAE Systems, Saab believes the UK can gain a worthy successor to the Hawk that is the right choice for pilots for decades to come,” said Saab’s head of business area Aeronautics Lars Tossman, in a company news release.
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director, BAE Systems’ Air sector, said: “Our new collaboration with Boeing and Saab will enable us to present a compelling offer to the UK Royal Air Force and our global customers, leveraging the latest tech innovation in training systems and a world-class jet trainer aircraft. We’re committed to ensuring this solution offers the best overall outcome for the nation to support the UK’s combat air readiness and deliver economic benefit.”
The T-7A Red Hawk (the name “Red Hawk” honors the legacy of Tuskegee Airmen and pays homage to their signature red-tailed aircraft from World War II), selected by the U.S. Air Force in 2018 for its advanced pilot training system, is the centrepiece of this collaboration. The T-7A is a leading-edge, integrated-live, virtual and constructive fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation aircrew training system that delivers a multi-generational leap in capability. Its versatile design allows it to adapt to changing technologies and mission requirements, training new pilots to fly the most advanced multi role fighter/fast-jet and bomber aircraft in the world.
AERALIS and M346 Master
As already reported, RAF officials are evaluating both clean sheet designs such as AERALIS new aircraft and already in service trainers like the Aermacchi M-346 Master as a replacement for the aging Hawk T1 trainer aircraft of the RAF Aerobatic Team Red Arrows.
Conservatives expressed anger over the potential decision, calling it “outrageous.”
In fact, the M-346, a twin-engine transonic advanced jet trainer and light combat aircraft, was originally co-developed with the Russian aircraft manufacturer Yakovlev as the Yak/AEM-130, the partnership was dissolved in 2000 and then Alenia Aermacchi proceeded to separately develop the M-346 Master, while Yakovlev continued work on the Yakovlev Yak-130.
According to conservatives, buying an aircraft whose design was co-developed with Russia would be in direct contrast to the Red Arrows’ stated mission of promoting British industry.
However, Leonardo, Aermacchi’s owner, said in a statement that the Master is not only built in Europe “to the most stringent NATO standards,” but that the M-346 is used by 10 NATO air forces, including the RAF, whose pilots have had to train in Italy using Italian jets because of a shortage of operational Hawks in the UK.
Photo credit: Saab and Boeing
