Initially awarded as a fixed-price contract in 2018, the T-7A programme includes the development of 10 fixed-price lots covering all 350 operational aircraft. To date, Air Force pilots are testing five T-7A aircraft, with the final test vehicle expected by December 2024.
To address emergent issues and mitigate risks, the Air Force has directed updates to the acquisition approach, including the procurement of four Production Representative Test Vehicles (PRTVs) in fiscal year 2025. These PRTVs, funded under the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) budget, will be delivered in 2026 and will expand test capacity, allowing AETC to accelerate curriculum development.
“Acquisition programmes cannot be stagnant, even when they are fixed-price,” said Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics. “These updates will ensure we deliver the T-7A to the warfighter when needed while minimising risk and improving manufacturing readiness.”
The adjusted plan involves awarding the Lot 1 production contract in 2026, preserving AETC’s goal of achieving Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by 2027. The revised timeline reduces overlap between development, testing, and production, lowering the risk of costly retrofits across the aircraft fleet.
Lt. Gen. Brian S. Robinson, AETC Commander, highlighted the importance of the T-7A in modernising pilot training. “The T-7A will propel the Air Force’s pilot training pipeline into the future, ensuring we continue producing world-class pilots to meet future challenges.”
The Air Force is collaborating with Congress to adjust the fiscal year 2025 budget to align with the updated plan. The current FY25 President’s Budget request includes funding for seven Lot 1 production aircraft, but revisions may be necessary to execute the revised strategy effectively.
