Saab, Boeing and BAE Systems to collaborate on Next-Gen pilot training
Saab, Boeing and BAE Systems have signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate on the Royal Air Force fast-jet trainer programme, leveraging T-7 as the core of the training system and creating a path for three companies to support future international pilot training opportunities.
Saab, Boeing and BAE Systems will offer innovative training solutions to best prepare RAF pilots for the future international pilot training opportunities.
“Together, Boeing with Saab and now BAE Systems will offer innovative training solutions to best prepare RAF pilots for the future, including advanced fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation fighters,” said Bernd Peters, vice president of Boeing Defense, Space & Security’s Business Development & Strategy. “This collaboration enhances the best of our technological capabilities, strengthens the transatlantic industrial base and offers opportunities for cooperative development.”
The requirement for a new UK Advanced Jet Trainer was set out in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review. BAE Systems will lead the activity, which will include a UK-based final assembly, creating high-value jobs in the UK. The companies will collaborate on a training system integrating live and synthetic training capability and associated mission systems and will explore further opportunities for growing the UK supply chain on the aircraft.
“The strong partnership between Boeing and Saab developed the T-7 to be the world’s best solution for future pilot training. By working with BAE Systems, Saab believes the UK can gain a worthy successor to the Hawk that is the right choice for pilots for decades to come,” said Saab’s head of business area Aeronautics Lars Tossman.
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director, BAE Systems’ Air sector, said: “Our new collaboration with Boeing and Saab will enable us to present a compelling offer to the UK Royal Air Force and our global customers, leveraging the latest tech innovation in training systems and a world-class jet trainer aircraft. We’re committed to ensuring this solution offers the best overall outcome for the nation to support the UK’s combat air readiness and deliver economic benefit.”
The T-7A Red Hawk, selected by the U.S. Air Force in 2018 for its advanced pilot training system, is the centrepiece of this collaboration. The T-7A is a leading-edge, integrated-live, virtual and constructive fourth-, fifth- and sixth-generation aircrew training system that delivers a multi-generational leap in capability. Its versatile design allows it to adapt to changing technologies and mission requirements, training new pilots to fly the most advanced multi role fighter/fast-jet and bomber aircraft in the world.
About Boeing in the United Kingdom
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defence products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. The company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing has a UK workforce of 3,600 people, including career starters, veterans and reserves across the country and is the largest supply chain base outside the United States, with more than £15 billion spent since 2015 across a network of over 970 domestic suppliers. For more information, visit www.boeing.co.uk or follow us on X @BoeingUK.
About BAE Systems
At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of around 110,000 people in more than 40 countries. Working with our customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.
Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 26,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.
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Contact
Saab Press Centre
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Boeing Media Relations
BAE Systems
Adam Morrison
Head of Communications, BAE Systems Air
+44(0)7493 864931
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