US Air Force enters new fighter training era with T-7A Red Hawk arrival: video

The US Air Force (USAF) has welcomed the arrival of its first Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer aircraft, marking the “beginning of a new era for developing the next generation of aviators”.

On December 5, 2025, the US Air Force confirmed that the T-7A Red Hawk assigned to Air Education and Training Command (AETC) had joined the 12th Flying Training Wing at JBSA-Randolph, Texas.

The first Boeing-Saab T-7A prototype flew in December 2016 and the first T-7A Red Hawk arrived at Edwards Air Force Base, California, in November 2023 to begin the Air Force’s developmental flight test campaign.

In a statement, the USAF described the jet’s arrival as a “major milestone in the modernization of pilot training” and a “significant” acquisition for the “future of warfighting”.

The T-7A is to replace the aging T-38C Talon and prepare pilots and weapon systems officers for 4th, 5th, and future 6th generation fighter and bomber aircraft.

With the T-7, #USAirForce student pilots won’t just learn to fly, they’ll be closing the gap between basic pilot training and realities of the next generation of warfare. More capable, intuitive warfighters right out the gate! pic.twitter.com/wuTYhMomwr— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) December 5, 2025 The T-7A features modern blended wings, a high-visibility canopy, and a streamlined fuselage optimized for stability and high-G maneuvering.

“The T-38 is a true workhorse training Air Force fighter and bomber pilots for Air Education and Training Command, but the T-7A Red Hawk is a game changer, providing advanced mission systems, a glass touchscreen cockpit, stadium seating, and embedded training capability.” said Col. Kirt Cassell, US Air Force T-7A program manager.

In addition to the aircraft, the Red Hawk Program has a full training system including ground-based simulators and associated support equipment

Red Hawk over the Alamo!The first T-7A #RedHawk advanced trainer has arrived at @JBSA_Official in Texas to start training future @USAirForce fighter and bomber pilots. The new advanced trainer brings safe, leading-edge capabilities to the @AETCommand. pic.twitter.com/PgwlburK81— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) December 5, 2025 Commenting on the first T-7A joining the USAF Boeing said: “Red Hawk over the Alamo! The first T-7A RedHawk advanced trainer has arrived at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas to start training future US Air Force fighter and bomber pilots. The new advanced trainer brings safe, leading-edge capabilities to the AETC – First Command.”

In November 2025, Saab, Boeing, and BAE Systems signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to collaborate on the UL’s next fast-jet trainer, proposing a version of the T-7 Red Hawk as the core of a new training system for the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Under the agreement, BAE Systems will lead the industrial activity as prime contractor, with a UK-based final assembly line and expanded domestic supply chain.

After the retirement of the Hawk T1 trainer in March 2022, apart from the Red Arrows, the Hawk T2 has served as the RAF’s primary advanced jet trainer.

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