BAE Systems Collaborates with Boeing and Saab for Hawk Aircraft Successor

BAE Systems is collaborating with Boeing and Saab to develop a replacement for the UK's Hawk aircraft, using the T-7 design. This partnership aims to address the UK's need for new military training jets, with potential global appeal, including customers in Saudi Arabia and Oman.

BAE Systems has announced a strategic collaboration with Boeing and Saab to replace Britain's aging Hawk aircraft. The partnership aims to develop a new fleet of military training jets using the T-7 design, a model previously developed for the U.S. Air Force.

The UK had earlier signaled the need to replace its Hawk fleet, partially recognizable by the Red Arrows display team, due to its out-of-production status. BAE's Air Sector Managing Director, Simon Barnes, emphasized that the collaboration intends to offer a compelling product to the UK Royal Air Force and international markets, noting potential interest from countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman.

The military trainer aircraft market is on a growth trajectory, projected to reach $3.7 billion by 2030. BAE's new trainer jets are set for final assembly in Britain, facing competition from other models like Leonardo's Aermacchi M-346 and the Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 Golden Eagle, along with input from early-stage British company Aeralis.

(With inputs from agencies.)