BAE joins bid to deliver Red Arrows replacement

BAE Systems has joined forces with US aerospace giant Boeing and Swedish defence and security company Saab in a bid to supply the RAF’s next fast-jet trainer.

The trio have signed a Letter of Intent with the aim of pitching a UK-assembled version of the Boeing–Saab T-7 Red Hawk.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is currently exploring options to replace its Hawk T1 jets, which are due to be retired by 2030. The Hawk is used by the RAF’s world-famous Red Arrows display team.

The Boeing-Saab developed T-7A Red Hawk was selected by the US Air Force in 2018 for its advanced pilot training system.

If the RAF bid is successful UK defence giant BAE Systems would lead on the activity, which could have positive implications for its Lancashire planemaking operations in Samlesbury and Warton.

The three companies have agreed to collaborate on a training system, integrating live and synthetic training capability and associated mission systems, and say they will explore further opportunities for growing the UK supply chain on the aircraft.

However, there will be competition when it comes to supplying the next generation trainer to the RAF, with UK aerospace firm Aeralis among those looking to win the work.

Bristol headquartered Aeralis has been developing its modular light jet aircraft concept since 2015 and earlier this month signed an agreement with the GMB union which would see its trainer built in Scotland, if it is successful in sealing a deal with the MoD.

There are also a number of jet trainers operating globally that the MoD could chose, including the Italian-made Leonardo M-346, Lockheed Martin’s TF-50 or Korea’s KAI T-50.

Simon Barnes, group managing director of 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.”

And Bernd Peters, vice president of Boeing’s Defense, Space and Security’s Business Development and Strategy, said: “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.

“This collaboration enhances the best of our technological capabilities, strengthens the transatlantic industrial base and offers opportunities for cooperative development.”

Lars Tossman, Saab head of business area aeronautics, said: “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.”

The requirement for a new UK Advanced Jet Trainer was set out in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review.