Saab and Boeing Increase T-7A Red Hawk Production in Indiana Facility

Saab and Boeing Signal Production Ramp-Up for T-7A Red Hawk in Indiana

In a significant development for U.S. military aviation, executives from Swedish defense firm Saab and American aerospace giant Boeing have announced a major production milestone for the T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer jet. At an event at Purdue University Airport on October 30, 2025, company leaders confirmed their readiness to accelerate the manufacturing of the aircraft’s aft fuselage section at Saab’s state-of-the-art facility in West Lafayette, Indiana. This move marks a critical phase in replacing the U.S. Air Force’s aging fleet of T-38 Talon trainers, a workhorse that has served for over six decades.

The T-7A Red Hawk program is not just about building a new plane; it represents a fundamental shift in how Military-Aircraft are designed, developed, and produced. Born from a “digital thread,” the aircraft was engineered entirely in a 3D model-based environment, a process that dramatically reduced the time from concept to first flight to a mere 36 months. This milestone in West Lafayette is the culmination of a strategic partnership and a multi-billion dollar contract, positioning Indiana as a key hub in the next generation of aerospace manufacturing and pilot training.

The T-7A Red Hawk: A Digital Leap Forward

The T-7A Red Hawk is engineered to train the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots for decades to come. The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $9.2 billion contract in September 2018 to deliver 351 of these advanced aircraft, along with 46 ground-based training simulators. The program’s primary objective is to provide a more effective, efficient, and safer training platform that can prepare pilots for the complexities of fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 and F-35.

What truly sets the T-7A apart is its digital DNA. The use of model-based engineering and 3D design tools resulted in a 75% improvement in engineering quality compared to traditional design methods. This digital approach allows for greater precision, fewer assembly errors, and faster production cycles. The aircraft features advanced capabilities, including fully digital displays and a system connected with ground-based simulators, allowing instructors and trainees to see the plane’s operations in real-time, creating a seamless training environment that bridges the gap between virtual and live flight.

The aircraft’s name, “Red Hawk,” is a tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American military aviators in the U.S. Army Air Corps. These legendary pilots, who flew during World War II, famously painted the tails of their P-51 Mustang aircraft red. By naming the trainer the Red Hawk, the Air Force honors their legacy of perseverance, skill, and dedication, inspiring a new generation of aviators.

West Lafayette: The Strategic Core of T-7A Production

At the heart of the T-7A’s production is Saab’s advanced manufacturing facility in West Lafayette’s Discovery Park District at Purdue University. Opened in October 2021, the 100,000-square-foot plant represents a $37 million investment by the Swedish company. This facility is purpose-built to produce the fully installed aft fuselage of the T-7A, a critical component that houses the engine and other key systems.

The establishment of this plant was a strategic masterstroke in Supply-Chain management. Previously, Saab built the aft sections at its factory in Linköping, Sweden, and shipped them across the Atlantic to Boeing’s final assembly line in St. Louis, Missouri. The West Lafayette facility is less than 300 miles from the St. Louis plant, drastically shortening logistics lines, reducing costs, and increasing production efficiency. This localization is a key enabler for ramping up to full-scale production.

Beyond manufacturing, the facility is a significant boon for the local economy, currently employing approximately 240 people with plans for future expansion. Its co-location with Purdue University is designed to foster collaboration in research and development, particularly in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and autonomy. This synergy between industry and academia helps cultivate a skilled workforce and drives innovation for the entire program.

Saab CEO Micael Johansson highlighted the project as a “success story in terms of technology transfer,” noting the potential for Orders from other countries interested in the advanced trainer.

The Path to Full-Scale Production

The recent announcement confirms that the program is transitioning from low-rate initial production to a much higher tempo. Saab executives stated they are prepared to manufacture 350 aft sections over the next decade to meet the Air Force’s needs. This ramp-up is supported by a $101.7 million order from Boeing, received in January 2024, which officially kicked off serial production of the aft fuselage systems.

Steve Parker, CEO of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, described the T-7A as a “revolutionary training system” with a projected service life of 40 to 50 years. The aircraft’s superior performance and digital architecture ensure it will remain relevant and adaptable for decades. The first two T-7A Red Hawks have already been delivered to Edwards Air Force Base and Eglin Air Force Base for rigorous developmental flight testing, paving the way for the first operational aircraft to be delivered to the Air Force in early December 2025.

The collaboration between Saab and Boeing in West Lafayette exemplifies a modern approach to defense manufacturing. It combines international Partnerships, advanced digital engineering, and strategic localization to deliver a next-generation capability for the U.S. military. As production scales up, the program is set to become a cornerstone of American air power and a model for future defense acquisitions.

Conclusion

The readiness of the Saab facility in West Lafayette to begin full-scale production of the T-7A Red Hawk’s aft fuselage is more than just a manufacturing milestone. It represents the successful execution of a complex, digitally-driven program that will shape the future of pilot training for the U.S. Air Force. The strategic partnership between Boeing and Saab has not only produced a technologically superior aircraft but has also created a streamlined and resilient supply chain rooted in the American Midwest.

Looking ahead, the T-7A Red Hawk program is poised to deliver on its promise of providing a modern, effective, and adaptable training system. As the first operational aircraft prepare for Delivery, the focus will shift to integrating the platform into the Air Force’s training curriculum. The success of this program will have lasting implications, ensuring that American pilots continue to be the best trained in the world, while also providing a significant economic anchor and innovation hub in Indiana for years to come.

FAQ

Question: What is the T-7A Red Hawk?
Answer: The T-7A Red Hawk is an advanced pilot training system developed by Boeing and Saab to replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging T-38 Talon fleet. It was designed using modern digital engineering techniques to prepare pilots for fifth-generation fighter and bomber aircraft.

Question: Why is the Saab facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, important?
Answer: The facility is crucial because it produces the entire aft fuselage section of the T-7A. Its location near Boeing’s final assembly plant in St. Louis significantly shortens the supply chain, reduces costs, and improves production efficiency. It also serves as an economic driver for the region, employing around 240 people.

Question: When is the U.S. Air Force scheduled to receive the first operational T-7A Red Hawk?
Answer: The first operational T-7A Red Hawk is scheduled for delivery to the U.S. Air Force in early December 2025.

Sources

• Journal & Courier