A potential collaboration between Boeing, Saab, and BAE Systems is taking shape as the United Kingdom begins the search for a replacement for its aging Hawk T1 and T2 jet trainers.
According to Reuters, the companies are reportedly in early discussions to jointly offer a new fast jet trainer to Royal Air Force.
Boeing and Saab are developing the T-7A Red Hawk for the U.S. Air Force while BAE is the original manufacturer of the Hawk.
Although no agreement has been finalized, the trio represents a powerful industrial base capable of addressing both the technical and political requirements of a UK-led program — including a strong emphasis on domestic assembly and alignment with Britain’s broader aerospace strategy.
A pressing need for renewal
Britain’s Ministry of Defence has acknowledged that the current Hawk fleet no longer meets the training needs of future combat aircraft, particularly in light of the upcoming Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with Japan and Italy.
The iconic Red Arrows will also require a new platform before the T1 fleet is retired by 2030 — and that aircraft will likely need to be designed or assembled in the UK to serve as a public showcase for British industry.
Initial procurement for the Red Arrows is expected within the next five years, with a larger replacement for the T2 fleet following in the late 2030s.
Growing global trainer market
The global market for advanced jet trainers is forecast to rise from $2.8 billion in 2025 to $3.7 billion by 2030, driven by the modernization of military fleets, rising pilot demand, and the unique fact that popular fighters like the F-35 lack a dedicated two-seat training variant.
Leading contenders in this space include the Leonardo M-346, KAI/Lockheed Martin T-50 Golden Eagle, and Boeing/Saab’s T-7A Red Hawk, which has faced some development delays but offers advanced features and modular systems. The British startup Aeralis is also pitching a modular jet concept with high UK content.
A jointly developed aircraft from Boeing, Saab and BAE could provide a politically appealing and operationally capable alternative, tailored for both domestic needs and the global export market, where over 1,000 Hawks have been delivered across 18 countries.
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