Industry Trio Proposes Advanced Training System for RAF’s Future Fighter Pilots

Saab, Boeing and BAE Systems have announced a joint effort to deliver next-generation training solutions for the Royal Air Force (RAF), aiming to prepare pilots for future international training demands and for operating 4ª, 5ª e 6ª gerações de aeronaves de combate.

Bernd Peters, vice-president of Business Development & Strategy at Boeing Defense, Space & Security, stated:
“Together, Boeing, Saab and now BAE Systems will provide innovative training solutions to prepare RAF pilots for the future. This collaboration combines our technological strengths, reinforces the transatlantic industrial base and opens opportunities for cooperative development.”

The need for a new UK Advanced Jet Trainer was defined in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review. BAE Systems will lead the programme, which includes final assembly in the UK, creating high-value jobs. The companies will jointly develop an integrated training ecosystem, combining live and synthetic training with advanced mission systems, while exploring additional opportunities to expand the UK supply chain.

Saab’s head of Aeronautics, Lars Tossman, highlighted the proven partnership behind the T-7:
“The strong collaboration between Boeing and Saab created the T-7 as the world’s best solution for future pilot training. With BAE Systems, we believe the UK can gain a worthy successor to the Hawk, providing the right aircraft for decades to come.”

Simon Barnes, Managing Director of BAE Systems Air, added:
“Our new partnership with Boeing and Saab enables us to present a compelling solution to the RAF and global customers, combining cutting-edge training technologies with a world-class jet trainer. We are committed to delivering the best outcome for UK combat air readiness and contributing to national economic growth.”

At the centre of this partnership is the T-7A Red Hawk, selected by the U.S. Air Force in 2018 as its future pilot training system. The T-7A features an advanced integrated live-virtual-constructive training architecture and represents a multi-generational leap in capability. Its flexible design allows adaptation to emerging technologies and mission profiles, preparing pilots to operate the world’s most advanced multi-role fighters, fast jets and bombers.