BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab have signed a teaming agreement to jointly offer a new pilot training system for the UK Royal Air Force (RAF), based on Boeing’s T-7 advanced jet trainer.
The agreement includes plans to establish a final assembly and integration facility in the UK.
Under the proposal, the project would support a domestic supply chain and give the UK greater control over the production and long-term support of its pilot training system.
The proposed training solution combines the T-7 trainer aircraft with advanced simulators to prepare pilots for frontline platforms such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed Martin F-35.
According to the companies, the system is designed to be updated over time to support future training requirements for combat aircraft, including sixth-generation platforms.
The announcement comes as the T-7A Red Hawk continues flight testing with the US Air Force.
Earlier this year, the aircraft reached Milestone C, the US Department of Defense acquisition decision authorizing low-rate initial production, allowing the program to move from development into the first production phase.
“With the T-7 as its foundation, our modern training system can help deliver sovereign pilot training solutions while supporting high-value jobs and industrial capability across the UK,” stated Steve Parker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
Building on Earlier Cooperation
The teaming agreement builds on an initial letter of intent signed by the three companies in November 2025 to pursue the UK’s future fast-jet training requirement.
Since then, the partners have been working to identify a location for the planned UK final assembly and integration facility and to establish a domestic industrial supply chain that would support the aircraft throughout its service life if selected by the RAF.
