The T-7A Red Hawk Takes Flight Toward the Future of U.S. Air Combat Training
In partnership with Boeing and the U.S. Air Force, T-7As are currently undergoing the flight test program at Edwards Air Force Base.
At Saab, we work to solve the toughest challenges with innovative solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of our partners. We are proud to offer the range and reach of an established global company, with the agile responsiveness of a local market partner.
The T-7A Red Hawk, the product of a decade-long collaboration between Boeing and Saab, is the latest example of this commitment. Designed specifically for the U.S. Air Force, the T-7A represents a bold leap forward in pilot training systems, combining cutting-edge technology with a focus on long-term sustainability.
In November 2023, the first T-7A aircraft made its way to Edwards Air Force Base for a flight test program. Over the coming years, an estimated 350 T-7A Red Hawk aircraft will be delivered to the U.S. Air Force. Additionally, more than 1,000 fighter and bomber pilots will be trained annually in the T-7A.
The T-7A Red Hawk’s design breaks the norm for military aircraft development as it moved from concept to first flight in just 36 months. Tailored specifically for U.S. Air Force requirements, the T-7A system includes advanced avionics, modern cockpit displays, and embedded training features that equip pilots to handle today’s and tomorrow’s combat systems.
Saab’s Swedish engineering expertise helped launch and design the T-7A’s aft fuselage. As part of the company’s commitment to increasing U.S. domestic production capabilities, Saab completed the technology transfer between the U.S. and Sweden and now manufactures the T-7A aft fuselage at its state-of-the-art facility in West Lafayette, Indiana. This domestic production ensures that Saab provides U.S. Armed Forces with the agile responsiveness of a local market partner, while continuing to leverage existing Saab products and technologies to customize the exact solutions needed for optimal mission outcomes.
“Every step of the development process has been driven by collaboration, trust, and expertise,” said Robert Ulibarri, vice president and general manager Aerospace Systems. “The T-7A will set a new standard in pilot training systems for decades to come.”
The future of air combat training has arrived—and Saab is proud to work with our customers to play a vital role in making it a reality.