Reuters reported in July that Boeing and Sweden’s Saab had been in discussions with Britain’s BAE Systems about a potential team for a future replacement of the UK’s Hawk trainer. The T-7 has been jointly developed by Boeing and Saab for the U.S. Air Force, while the UK has said it plans to replace its out-of-production Hawk fleet.
Asked ahead of the Dubai Airshow whether the imminent partnership would meet Britain’s trainer needs, Boeing’s CEO of Defense, Space and Security, Steve Parker said “Watch this space”, while declining to provide further details. Boeing officials said the planned co-operation announcement would come within the next week or so.
In June, a British defence strategy review recommended that BAE’s Hawk be replaced, and the government said it would welcome interest from UK-based suppliers. BAE has said it has not decided whether to develop a new jet to replace the Hawk, whose production line closed in 2000.
Source: Reuters.
