Boeing advances U.S. Air Force pilot training with T-7A Red Hawk milestone

Developed jointly by Boeing and Saab, the T-7A Red Hawk is an advanced jet trainer engineered to prepare USAF pilots for state-of-the-art aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II and the B-21 Raider. The EMD phase focused on rigorous evaluation of the aircraft’s performance, safety, and reliability, ensuring it meets the demands of modern pilot training.

The final T-7A #RedHawk engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) jet, APT-5, has been delivered to the @USAirForce.

Check out all fab five T-7A EMD jets taking off! pic.twitter.com/BVYQLvPxGW

— Boeing Defense (@BoeingDefense) December 20, 2024

The T-7A Red Hawk program stems from a contract awarded to Boeing Defense, Space & Security in 2018. Under the agreement, Boeing will deliver 351 aircraft, 46 Ground-Based Training Systems, and associated support equipment, creating an integrated training solution for the USAF.

Speaking about the program, a Boeing representative stated, “The T-7A is a game-changer for pilot training, designed to ensure Air Force pilots are ready for the complexities of next-generation combat operations. This milestone reflects the dedication and innovation of everyone involved in the program.”

With the EMD phase now complete, the program transitions to low-rate initial production (LRIP), laying the groundwork for full-scale production in the years ahead. This development signals confidence in the T-7A’s ability to address the USAF’s evolving training requirements.