US Air Force pushes back T-7A production to 2026
The T-7A will replace the USAF’s T-38C Talon aircraft. (Photo: Boeing)
The US Air Force (USAF) and Boeing have agreed to adjust parts of the T-7A Red Hawk acquisition, with four more test T-7As being acquired to help improve manufacturing readiness and boost testing capacity.
The USAF and Boeing have announced that they have agreed a framework to adjust parts of the T-7A Red Hawk acquisition approach to replace its ageing fleet of T-38C Talon training aircraft.
Boeing was originally awarded a fixed-price contract from the US Air Force for the joint Boeing-Saab T-7A aircraft, with 10 fixed price lots for all 350 operational aircraft back in 2018.
The current plan originally assumed a production contract would be awarded to Boeing in 2025, with requested funds for the USAF to purchase seven Lot 1 aircraft in 2025.
The adjusted plan will now reportedly allow for
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Lockheed Martin emphasises self-funding efforts for “big bet” next-gen prototypes]()
Lockheed Martin emphasises self-funding efforts for “big bet” next-gen prototypes
A significant effort is now being made to focus on showcasing prototypes directly to demonstrate various capabilities to the US government.
-
![Shield AI unveils new autonomous VTOL fighter jet concept]()
Shield AI unveils new autonomous VTOL fighter jet concept
Named X-Bat, the AI-controlled vertical take-off and landing drone is expected to enter production by 2029, with first flight tests estimated to take place a year earlier.
-
![How satcom is shaping the future of fast, accurate warfare (podcast)]()
How satcom is shaping the future of fast, accurate warfare (podcast)
"Speed is the key advantage and accuracy is the key outcome": Amazon Kuiper Government Solutions’ Rick Freeman talks to Shephard’s Georgia Lewis about how space-as-a-service is transforming defence connectivity and access to satellite capabilities.
-
![US Army order for CH-47F Block II aircraft takes total contracted to 18 in rapid fielding effort]()
US Army order for CH-47F Block II aircraft takes total contracted to 18 in rapid fielding effort
Boeing has delivered six Chinook CH-47F Block II production helicopters to the US Army, with the helicopters now undergoing a series of evaluations to demonstrate their enhanced capabilities. The company is working with the army on a path forward for Lot 6.
