Saab Starts Production in Support of U.S. Air Force T-7A Programme
Saab started assembly production on January 10, 2020 of its section of the T-7A aircraft, the advanced trainer developed and produced together with Boeing for the United States Air Force.
Saab is responsible for the development and production of the aft fuselage section for the advanced trainer, with seven aft units being produced in Linköping, Sweden for final assembly at Boeing’s facility in St. Louis, Missouri.
After the Engineering & Manufacturing Development phase for the T-7A in Linkoping, production will be transferred to the new, state-of-the-art Saab West Lafayette, Indiana facility to ensure U.S.-based production of the U.S. Air Force’s newest trainer.
“The Saab facility in West Lafayette is a crucial part of our growth strategy in the U.S., creating both jobs and strong organic capabilities for the development, manufacturing and sales of aerospace and defense products to support the U.S. military,” said Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab Defense and Security USA.
“In little over a year since we signed the EMD contract, we are starting production of our part of the T-7A jet. This achievement is possible due to the great collaboration between Saab and Boeing, and it is an honor to be part of this program for the United States Air Force,” says Jonas Hjelm, head of Saab business area Aeronautics.
Boeing is the designated prime contractor for the T-7A advanced pilot training system acquisition by the U.S. Air Force. Saab and Boeing developed the aircraft with Saab as a risk-sharing partner. Saab received the EMD order from Boeing, September 18, 2018.
For further information, please contact:
Jana Weir Murphy
Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs
Saab Defense and Security USA
202-279-1586
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