BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab Team for UK Trainer

BAE Systems has signed a teaming agreement with Boeing and Saab to offer a next-generation pilot training system to the UK, based around the T-7 Red Hawk. The advanced jet trainer has been selected by the U.S. Air Force, and it passed its Milestone C in April, leading to an initial production order. A full training system with ground-based aids is being offered to the RAF, with the ability to evolve to meet future training requirements beyond those of the current Typhoon and F-35.

The proposal commits to a final assembly and integration facility to be created in the UK. This would not only create high-skill jobs but also ensure sovereign control over the UK’s future pilot training requirements. A robust supply chain would be established to support the new trainer throughout its UK service.

Boeing and Saab are already partners in the program, with the Swedish company supplying the aft fuselages from a new factory in West Lafayette, Indiana. The three companies—each with extensive experience and knowledge in training systems—initially signed a letter of intent to pursue the UK requirement last November.