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BAE, Boeing and Saab Form UK-Led T-7 Bid to Replace RAF Hawk Trainers

The BAE-led team positions a UK-assembled T-7 training ecosystem for the RAF requirement with a formal procurement yet to begin.

Prototype T-7, registration N381TX, in flight. (Image credit: Boeing)
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Overview

  • The companies signed a Letter of Intent to offer a T-7 Red Hawk-based pilot training system for the Royal Air Force.
  • BAE Systems will act as prime contractor, committing to UK final assembly and a broader domestic supply chain.
  • The proposal centers on the T-7’s open-architecture avionics and a live-virtual-constructive training environment designed to evolve through software updates.
  • The RAF’s requirement was set in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, with an open contest expected to draw bids from Leonardo, KAI and Aeralis.
  • Pressure to replace the Hawk T2 reflects availability and engine reliability shortfalls, and the consortium also signals export ambitions for the UK-assembled solution.