Overview
- The 99th Flying Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio–Randolph formally accepted the first Red Hawk at a Jan. 9 arrival ceremony, drawing senior Air Force leaders and industry officials.
- The T-7A is slated to replace the T-38C Talon across Air Education and Training Command under a $9.2 billion program of record for 351 aircraft.
- Initial operational capability is scheduled for August 2027 with 14 jets at the 99th FTS, followed by phased deliveries to Columbus, Laughlin, Vance and Sheppard into the mid‑2030s.
- The training ecosystem includes 46 simulators, a Ground-Based Training System and Live‑Virtual‑Constructive integration to reduce required sorties and speed student proficiency.
- Schedule slips tied to ejection‑seat and flight‑control software issues shifted the IOC target from 2024 to the fiscal 2027–2028 timeframe.