BAE Systems, Boeing and Saab have agreed a Letter of Intent to mount a joint bid for the Royal Air Force’s next fast-jet trainer, proposing a UK-assembled version of the T-7 as the core of a new, integrated training system.
The partnership aims to meet the requirement for a new Advanced Jet Trainer set out in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review and position the three firms to compete for future international training contracts.
The companies plan to deliver a live and synthetic training architecture built around the T-7’s modular mission systems and construct a UK-based production line under BAE Systems’ lead. The work would expand domestic supply-chain participation and create skilled jobs if selected.
Simon Barnes, who leads BAE’s Air sector, said the consortium would offer “a compelling offer to the UK Royal Air Force and our global customers” and argued that it would deliver both combat-air readiness and economic value.
Boeing set out the broader intent behind the arrangement. Bernd Peters, vice president for business development at its defence division, said the collaboration strengthens the transatlantic industrial base and would prepare RAF pilots for modern and future fighters. Saab echoed that view.
“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.
At the heart of the proposed system is the T-7A Red Hawk, chosen by the US Air Force as its next-generation pilot-training aircraft.
The platform, say the firms, combines a digital design approach with an integrated live, virtual and constructive training environment intended to prepare aircrew for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation combat aircraft.
On a like for like basis, there would be @40 aircraft possibly ordered to replace todays Red Arrows and T2’s.
“On a like for like basis” – a naivety living up to the name!
I wrote it as that is the figure currently quoted.
My normal sarcasm was absent but the comment was open to thought interpretation. 😉
Who cares whether it’s 30 or 40 or shmorty. The important thing is, we’re going to have ‘a live and synthetic training architecture’.
Should get a decision on this real soon, most likely January 2039. This can will be kicked down the road like every other one you wait and see.
Not sure what the point in setting a production line up for 30-40 aircraft is, unless we are gauranteed assembly for some other European/ME sales.
I’d avoid anything that Boeings been involved with. I thought Aeralis was preferred or has that now been dropped?
Aeralis is still a paper plane.
T-7 actually exists and is flying,albeit with some issues,Aeralis has yet to fly off the Drawing Board,personally i would go South Korean or Italian for a new Trainer.The MOD seems keen on Aeralis for some reason.
Sadly, I don’t think Aeralis has even made its first test flight, and the T-7 is flying but not without its own problems. I’m also not sure who else has been tendered. I know it will be assembled by BAE, but I still don’t want more American products. I’m sure our PM will bend the knee to Trump on this.