UK Turns to US-Swedish T-7 Red Hawk Jet as the Future of British Fighter Pilot Training
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
As the Royal Air Force seeks a rapid and credible solution to replace its Hawk T1 and T2 trainer aircraft, BAE Systems is reportedly in discussions with Boeing to offer the T-7 Red Hawk, developed in partnership with Swedish company Saab. This information, reported by Reuters in a dispatch published on 29 July 2025, comes at a time when the RAF’s training requirements are evolving in parallel with the development of the next-generation combat aircraft under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The first T-7A Red Hawk in 2023 (Picture source: US DoD)
In 2024, the RAF had already stated its intention to withdraw the Hawk T1 and T2 as soon as possible, citing them as both “obsolete” and “unreliable.” The Hawk T1s, though still used by the Red Arrows aerobatic team, were initially planned to remain in service until 2030. The T2s, used for training future fighter pilots, have faced recurring issues with the Adour Mk-951 engine. These persistent problems led the RAF to outsource part of its pilot training to Italy’s Aeronautica Militare, through the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Sardinia, which uses the M346 Master.
Beyond technical issues, the RAF now considers the Hawk T2 to be incompatible with the training ecosystem it intends to establish in preparation for the entry into service of the sixth-generation fighter jet. This intent to modernise was confirmed in the Defence Command Paper published in June 2025, which recommended replacing the Hawks as a priority. In July, Minister for Defence Procurement Maria Eagle confirmed that a formal tender would be launched shortly, specifying that only companies based in the United Kingdom would be eligible to participate.
This condition effectively rules out international contenders such as the South Korean F/A-50 Golden Eagle or the Hürjet developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, despite the strong defence ties between London and Ankara. It may, however, benefit domestic players like Aeralis, a UK-based company developing a modular aircraft called Dart, which has received partial funding from the RAF. Still, moving from concept to production remains a key uncertainty for this early-stage programme.
Leonardo’s M346 Master could also be a credible option, especially as the Italian group has a subsidiary and a factory in Yeovil, Somerset. A participant in the GCAP, Leonardo could, in theory, collaborate with BAE Systems. Nevertheless, according to Reuters, BAE appears to be favouring a partnership with Boeing. The two firms have previously worked together on the AV-8B Harrier II and T-45 Goshawk programmes in the United States and are now exploring a joint proposal of the T-7 Red Hawk to the RAF.
The T-7A Red Hawk, selected by the US Air Force to replace the ageing T-38 Talon, represents a technological shift in training systems. It is currently the only digitally designed, next-generation trainer certified for military use. Developed from the outset as a fully integrated and scalable training solution, it features an open mission systems architecture and digital fly-by-wire controls, allowing adaptation to evolving technologies, threats, and training needs. Powered by a General Electric F404 afterburning engine, the aircraft can reach speeds close to Mach 0.975, fly up to 45,000 feet, withstand up to 8 g, and has an airframe optimised for advanced manoeuvres. While it is not armed, it enables complex mission simulations through embedded training scenarios that can be activated from the cockpit or coordinated from the ground.
The system’s strength lies in its comprehensive training ecosystem, including high-definition simulators and integrated live, virtual, and constructive (I-LVC) training. It supports cooperative training between multiple aircraft and engagements with ground-based simulators. Designed to improve safety, operational preparation, and reliability, the T-7A also incorporates a streamlined maintenance concept, based on common subsystems with 4th and 5th-generation aircraft, which helps reduce lifecycle costs. With these features, the Red Hawk is positioned to support the RAF’s doctrinal shift in pilot training for advanced air combat platforms.
According to Reuters, discussions between BAE Systems and Boeing are still at an early stage. A source familiar with the matter stated that many details remain to be finalised and that there is no guarantee an agreement will be reached. Neither Boeing nor Saab has commented on the matter. BAE Systems also remained cautious, with a spokesperson stating: “We do not comment on rumours and speculation. Training remains a key pillar of our air sector strategy. We continue to explore and develop our presence in this field.” This comment underscores a notable issue: BAE Systems currently has no trainer aircraft in production, making a partnership with an external manufacturer almost unavoidable.
The prospect of a BAE-Boeing partnership to offer the T-7 Red Hawk to the RAF reflects increasing competition in the UK military training sector. Given the urgent need to modernise and the restrictive eligibility criteria of the forthcoming tender, this initiative could mark a strategic shift for both defence industry stakeholders and the RAF’s approach to aircrew training.
{loadposition bannertop}
{loadposition sidebarpub}
As the Royal Air Force seeks a rapid and credible solution to replace its Hawk T1 and T2 trainer aircraft, BAE Systems is reportedly in discussions with Boeing to offer the T-7 Red Hawk, developed in partnership with Swedish company Saab. This information, reported by Reuters in a dispatch published on 29 July 2025, comes at a time when the RAF’s training requirements are evolving in parallel with the development of the next-generation combat aircraft under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The first T-7A Red Hawk in 2023 (Picture source: US DoD)
In 2024, the RAF had already stated its intention to withdraw the Hawk T1 and T2 as soon as possible, citing them as both “obsolete” and “unreliable.” The Hawk T1s, though still used by the Red Arrows aerobatic team, were initially planned to remain in service until 2030. The T2s, used for training future fighter pilots, have faced recurring issues with the Adour Mk-951 engine. These persistent problems led the RAF to outsource part of its pilot training to Italy’s Aeronautica Militare, through the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Sardinia, which uses the M346 Master.
Beyond technical issues, the RAF now considers the Hawk T2 to be incompatible with the training ecosystem it intends to establish in preparation for the entry into service of the sixth-generation fighter jet. This intent to modernise was confirmed in the Defence Command Paper published in June 2025, which recommended replacing the Hawks as a priority. In July, Minister for Defence Procurement Maria Eagle confirmed that a formal tender would be launched shortly, specifying that only companies based in the United Kingdom would be eligible to participate.
This condition effectively rules out international contenders such as the South Korean F/A-50 Golden Eagle or the Hürjet developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, despite the strong defence ties between London and Ankara. It may, however, benefit domestic players like Aeralis, a UK-based company developing a modular aircraft called Dart, which has received partial funding from the RAF. Still, moving from concept to production remains a key uncertainty for this early-stage programme.
Leonardo’s M346 Master could also be a credible option, especially as the Italian group has a subsidiary and a factory in Yeovil, Somerset. A participant in the GCAP, Leonardo could, in theory, collaborate with BAE Systems. Nevertheless, according to Reuters, BAE appears to be favouring a partnership with Boeing. The two firms have previously worked together on the AV-8B Harrier II and T-45 Goshawk programmes in the United States and are now exploring a joint proposal of the T-7 Red Hawk to the RAF.
The T-7A Red Hawk, selected by the US Air Force to replace the ageing T-38 Talon, represents a technological shift in training systems. It is currently the only digitally designed, next-generation trainer certified for military use. Developed from the outset as a fully integrated and scalable training solution, it features an open mission systems architecture and digital fly-by-wire controls, allowing adaptation to evolving technologies, threats, and training needs. Powered by a General Electric F404 afterburning engine, the aircraft can reach speeds close to Mach 0.975, fly up to 45,000 feet, withstand up to 8 g, and has an airframe optimised for advanced manoeuvres. While it is not armed, it enables complex mission simulations through embedded training scenarios that can be activated from the cockpit or coordinated from the ground.
The system’s strength lies in its comprehensive training ecosystem, including high-definition simulators and integrated live, virtual, and constructive (I-LVC) training. It supports cooperative training between multiple aircraft and engagements with ground-based simulators. Designed to improve safety, operational preparation, and reliability, the T-7A also incorporates a streamlined maintenance concept, based on common subsystems with 4th and 5th-generation aircraft, which helps reduce lifecycle costs. With these features, the Red Hawk is positioned to support the RAF’s doctrinal shift in pilot training for advanced air combat platforms.
According to Reuters, discussions between BAE Systems and Boeing are still at an early stage. A source familiar with the matter stated that many details remain to be finalised and that there is no guarantee an agreement will be reached. Neither Boeing nor Saab has commented on the matter. BAE Systems also remained cautious, with a spokesperson stating: “We do not comment on rumours and speculation. Training remains a key pillar of our air sector strategy. We continue to explore and develop our presence in this field.” This comment underscores a notable issue: BAE Systems currently has no trainer aircraft in production, making a partnership with an external manufacturer almost unavoidable.
The prospect of a BAE-Boeing partnership to offer the T-7 Red Hawk to the RAF reflects increasing competition in the UK military training sector. Given the urgent need to modernise and the restrictive eligibility criteria of the forthcoming tender, this initiative could mark a strategic shift for both defence industry stakeholders and the RAF’s approach to aircrew training.
