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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production]()
Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production
By combining established manufacturing capacity with startup aircraft design, the partnership could offer an alternative approach to scaling military uncrewed aircraft production.
-
![European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans]()
European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans
Poland is seeking to update its transport helicopters as part of a wider military aviation modernisation programme, with EU funding requirements and NATO interoperability key considerations.
-
![Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships]()
Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships
Poland’s growing investment in UAVs highlights how recurring procurement contracts and continuous technological development can provide suppliers with sustained opportunities beyond initial acquisitions.
-
![October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age]()
October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age
Israel’s $1 billion Apache helicopter order highlights the continued demand for crewed attack aviation, while growing integration with uncrewed systems could shape future modernisation and procurement decisions.
