Boeing, Saab, and BAE Systems have formed a strategic alliance to develop a next-generation pilot training system specifically designed to equip Royal Air Force pilots for the challenges associated with advanced combat aircraft. This collaboration comes in alignment with the UK’s 2025 Strategic Defence Review, aiming to bolster the country’s defense capabilities.
The three companies will support a new Advanced Jet Trainer program, with BAE Systems at the helm, overseeing the final assembly operations based in the UK. This approach is anticipated to create high-value domestic jobs in the aerospace sector, contributing to the local economy.
One of the notable aspects of this initiative is the integration of the T-7A Red Hawk, which will feature a combination of live and synthetic training capabilities along with associated mission systems. This multifaceted training approach not only enhances pilot readiness but also presents an opportunity to grow the UK supply chain surrounding the aircraft.
Lars Tossman, head of Aeronautics at Saab, expounded on the significance of the T-7A, stating that it represents “the world’s best solution for future pilot training.” He emphasized the potential benefit for the UK in adopting a capable successor to the Hawk, designed to effectively train pilots for years to come.
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Air sector, reiterated the economic and operational merits of the pilot training program, highlighting how it aligns with current defense objectives while fostering job creation and technological innovation.
The T-7A Red Hawk, selected by the US Air Force in 2018 as a replacement for the aging T-38 Talon, plays a pivotal role in training pilots for modern fourth, fifth, and even sixth-generation fighters, including the F-35 Lightning II and the F-22 Raptor. Its cutting-edge, integrated training system merges live flying exercises with virtual and constructive simulations, allowing pilots to engage in complex mission scenarios safely and cost-effectively.
In the United States, the T-7A is already operational at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, where it has begun replacing the T-38 with full transition expected by the late 2020s. Furthermore, Boeing and Saab have actively marketed the T-7A to allied nations, including India, South Korea, and several European NATO countries, showcasing its versatile training capabilities for both contemporary and legacy fighter aircraft. This initiative not only reinforces the strategic alignment of the UK with its allies but also enhances collaborative defense efforts on a global scale.
