Training & Certification
BAE Systems Boeing and Saab Partner on UK RAF Next Gen Pilot Training
BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab collaborate to develop T-7A Red Hawk as the UK RAF’s advanced jet trainer with UK assembly and integrated training.
In the world of aerospace and defense, strategic collaborations often signal a significant shift in technological and industrial landscapes. A landmark announcement has brought together three industry titans, BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab, in a united effort to shape the future of military pilot training. The companies have signed a Letter of Intent to jointly pursue the UK Royal Air Force’s (RAF) fast-jet trainer program, a critical initiative to prepare pilots for the complexities of modern aerial combat. This transatlantic alliance aims to deliver a comprehensive, next-generation training system with the advanced Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk Commercial-Aircraft at its core.
The significance of this partnership extends far beyond a single contract. It represents the convergence of American, British, and Swedish aerospace excellence, each company bringing a unique and vital set of skills to the table. The collaboration is positioned to offer a successor to the legendary BAE Systems Hawk, an aircraft that has been the backbone of fast-jet training for numerous Air-Forces globally for decades. As air forces transition to fifth and sixth-generation fighter jets, the training systems that prepare their pilots must evolve in lockstep, integrating cutting-edge live and synthetic environments to build proficiency for complex, multi-domain operations.
At the heart of this proposal is a commitment to not only advance pilot training capabilities but also to invest in the UK’s industrial base. A key component of the joint offer involves establishing a UK-based final assembly line for the aircraft, spearheaded by BAE Systems. This move underscores the strategic importance of sovereign capability and aims to create high-value jobs, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of aerospace manufacturing and innovation. The collaboration, therefore, is as much about securing national industrial strength as it is about delivering a world-class training solution.
The strength of this alliance lies in the distinct yet complementary expertise of each partner. It creates a powerful synergy, blending a rich heritage in military aviation with pioneering digital design and manufacturing techniques. This is not merely a supplier agreement but a deep-seated collaboration designed to deliver a holistic and forward-looking training ecosystem for the RAF and other potential international customers.
BAE Systems, a cornerstone of the UK’s defense industry, brings an unparalleled legacy in pilot training. The company’s Hawk jet trainer has been instrumental in training over 25,000 pilots worldwide, establishing a global benchmark for effectiveness and reliability. Beyond the aircraft itself, BAE Systems has extensive experience in developing and delivering integrated training solutions, including advanced synthetic and immersive technologies. The company’s deep understanding of the RAF’s operational requirements and its established UK manufacturing footprint make it the natural lead for in-country activities, ensuring the program aligns with national strategic interests.
Boeing, a global aerospace leader, contributes its vast experience in designing and producing advanced Military-Aircraft. The company’s role in the T-7A Red Hawk program, developed in partnership with Saab, showcases its leadership in digital engineering and modern manufacturing. The T-7A was designed using a “digital-first” approach, which significantly accelerated its development and allows for greater adaptability throughout its lifecycle. Boeing’s extensive portfolio of training programs and services for its military platforms provides a solid foundation for developing the comprehensive system required by modern air forces.
Saab, renowned for its advanced fighter jets and innovative defense solutions, was an integral partner in the creation of the T-7A. The Swedish company is responsible for producing the aft fuselage of the aircraft at its state-of-the-art facility in West Lafayette, Indiana. This partnership with Boeing on the T-7A program has already proven to be a model of successful transatlantic cooperation. Saab’s expertise in aeronautics and system integration adds another layer of technical prowess to the alliance, ensuring the proposed solution is robust, capable, and future-proof.
“The strong Partnerships between Boeing and Saab developed the T-7 to be the world’s best solution for future pilot training. By working with BAE Systems, Saab believes the UK can gain a worthy successor to the Hawk that is the right choice for pilots for decades to come.” – Lars Tossman, Head of Business Area Aeronautics, Saab.
The centerpiece of the collaboration’s offering is the T-7A Red Hawk. Selected by the U.S. Air Force in 2018 to replace its long-serving T-38 Talon trainers, the T-7A is purpose-built for training pilots to fly next-generation fighters. Its design features a large, modern cockpit, advanced avionics, and a performance profile that closely mimics that of frontline aircraft like the F-35 and Typhoon. This ensures a seamless transition for pilots from training to operational squadrons, reducing the time and cost associated with supplementary Training. However, the proposal is about more than just the aircraft. The three companies will collaborate on an integrated training system that seamlessly blends live flight exercises with ground-based simulation. This “Live, Virtual, and Constructive” (LVC) approach allows trainees to experience a wide range of complex scenarios that would be too risky or costly to replicate in the real world. By leveraging advanced simulation, the system can prepare pilots for contested electronic warfare environments, complex air-to-air engagements, and joint operations with other assets, providing a far more comprehensive training experience.
The industrial benefits for the United Kingdom are a crucial aspect of the bid. The plan for BAE Systems to lead the final assembly of the aircraft in the UK is a significant commitment to the nation’s aerospace sector. This initiative is expected to sustain and create jobs, foster skills development in advanced manufacturing, and enhance the UK’s sovereign capability to produce and support advanced jet trainers. It positions the UK to be a key player in the production of a globally relevant training platform, with potential for future exports and international partnerships.
The formation of this alliance and its focus on the T-7A marks a pivotal moment for the future of military flight training. The decision facing the UK Ministry of Defence is not just about replacing an old aircraft but about investing in a system that will prepare its pilots for the security challenges of the next half-century. The outcome will have lasting implications for the RAF’s operational readiness, the UK’s industrial base, and the global trainer aircraft market.
The BAE Systems Hawk has served the RAF with distinction for generations, becoming synonymous with fast-jet training excellence. However, the demands of preparing pilots for aircraft like the F-35 have evolved. The need for a new Advanced Jet Trainer, as outlined in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, reflects this new reality. The successor to the Hawk must be more than just a fast jet; it must be a node in a networked, data-driven training ecosystem.
The T-7A, with its open systems architecture and digital foundation, is designed to be that node. It can be readily upgraded with new software and capabilities to keep pace with evolving threats and technologies. This adaptability is critical for ensuring the long-term relevance and cost-effectiveness of the training program. The collaboration’s focus on an integrated system acknowledges that the modern pilot is as much a systems manager and information processor as a stick-and-rudder aviator. The proposed solution is engineered to build proficiency in all these areas from an early stage.
“This collaboration enhances the best of our technological capabilities, strengthens the transatlantic industrial base and offers opportunities for cooperative development.” – Bernd Peters, Vice President of Business Development & Strategy, Boeing Defense, Space & Security.
Beyond the immediate needs of the RAF, the agreement establishes a powerful framework for the three companies to pursue international pilot training opportunities together. With many air forces around the world looking to modernize their own trainer fleets, a successful UK program could serve as a powerful springboard for global sales. The combined marketing strength and established customer relationships of BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab create a formidable presence in the international market.
This collaboration also reinforces the strategic alignment between the UK, US, and Sweden, strengthening the transatlantic defense industrial base. In an era of increasing global uncertainty, such partnerships are vital for ensuring interoperability and collective security. The joint development and production of key defense platforms foster deeper military and industrial ties, creating a shared investment in mutual security and technological superiority. The T-7A program for the UK could become a model for future international cooperative defense projects.
The alliance between BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing one of the most fundamental challenges in air power: forging the next generation of combat pilots. By combining a digitally engineered aircraft, a comprehensive integrated training system, and a strong commitment to the UK’s industrial base, the consortium has presented a compelling and holistic vision for the future. Their proposal is built on a foundation of proven expertise, technological innovation, and strategic international partnership. As the UK and other nations look to recapitalize their training capabilities, this collaboration is poised to set a new standard. The potential selection of the T-7A Red Hawk and its associated systems would not only equip the RAF with a state-of-the-art solution but would also ripple through the global defense landscape. It would signal a definitive shift towards more integrated, adaptable, and data-centric training methodologies, ensuring that future pilots are prepared for the complexities of the 21st-century battlespace.
Question: What is the T-7A Red Hawk? Question: Why are BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab collaborating? Question: What are the potential benefits for the UK industry?
A New Alliance Forged: BAE Systems, Boeing, and Saab Target Next-Gen Pilot Training
The Trifecta: Unpacking the Strategic Collaboration
Combining Heritage, Innovation, and Global Reach
The T-7A Red Hawk: A 21st-Century Training Platform
Future Horizons: Implications for the RAF and Beyond
A Worthy Successor to a Legendary Trainer
Strengthening Alliances and Global Market Potential
A New Chapter for Pilot Training
FAQ
Answer: The T-7A Red Hawk is an advanced jet trainer aircraft developed by Boeing and Saab. It was selected by the U.S. Air Force to replace its aging T-38 Talon fleet and is designed with modern digital engineering to train pilots for fifth-generation and future fighter aircraft.
Answer: The three companies are combining their expertise to bid for the UK Royal Air Force’s program to find a successor to the BAE Systems Hawk trainer. The Manufacturers leverages the modern T-7A aircraft from Boeing and Saab with BAE Systems’ extensive experience in training integration and its established manufacturing presence in the UK.
Answer: The proposal includes a plan for the final assembly of the aircraft to be conducted in the UK, led by BAE Systems. This is expected to create and sustain high-value jobs, enhance the UK’s aerospace skills base, and strengthen the country’s sovereign defense industrial capabilities.
Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing
Training & Certification
CAE Launches Asia-Pacific’s First Boeing 777X Simulator in Singapore
CAE introduces the first Boeing 777X full-flight simulator in Asia-Pacific at its Singapore training centre, ready by Fall 2026 for pilot training.
CAE has officially announced the deployment of the first Boeing 777X full-flight simulator (FFS) in the Asia-Pacific region. According to a company press release, the advanced training device will be installed at the Singapore-CAE Flight Training (SCFT) Centre, a joint venture facility operated in partnership with Singapore Airlines near Changi Airport.
The new simulator, a CAE 7000XR Series model, represents a critical infrastructure milestone for Asian carriers preparing for the entry-into-service of Boeing’s newest widebody aircraft. CAE confirmed that the simulator is currently being installed and is scheduled to be ready for pilot Training by Fall 2026, pending regulatory qualification.
The placement of this simulator in Singapore addresses a significant logistical gap for Airlines in the region. Previously, operators preparing for the 777X would likely have needed to send flight crews to facilities in Europe or North America. By establishing a training footprint in Singapore, CAE aims to support the substantial order book for the 777X held by Asia-Pacific carriers.
Alexandre Prévost, CAE’s Division President for Civil Aviation, highlighted the strategic importance of the location in the company’s announcement:
“We are bringing the training capacity to where it is needed most, at the crossroads of Asia-Pacific aviation.”
, Alexandre Prévost, CAE Division President (Civil Aviation)
The SCFT Centre, established in 2018 as a 50/50 joint venture between CAE and Singapore Airlines, already houses simulators for the Boeing 737 MAX, 747, 777, and 787. The addition of the 777X device solidifies the facility’s status as a comprehensive Boeing training hub for the region.
According to technical details released by CAE, the new simulator will feature the CAE Prodigy™ Image Generator. This visual system leverages gaming-engine technology,specifically Epic Games’ Unreal Engine,to deliver high-fidelity, photorealistic training environments. Unlike previous generations of visual systems, the Prodigy generator is designed to render realistic 3D environments with high-density graphics. This includes dynamic lighting, realistic shadows, and “lifeforms” such as moving traffic and people on the ground. These enhancements are intended to improve pilot readiness by simulating complex weather and ground scenarios with greater accuracy.
The Fall 2026 operational target for this simulator aligns closely with the revised Delivery schedules for the Boeing 777X (777-9). While the aircraft program has faced multiple delays, the installation of training infrastructure suggests that the supply chain is preparing for a concrete entry-into-service window.
For airlines, the availability of a “Level D” simulator,the highest standard of flight simulation,prior to aircraft delivery is essential. It allows carriers to certify pilots and “pre-load” their workforce capabilities so that commercial operations can commence immediately once the physical aircraft are handed over. The presence of this device in Singapore is particularly vital for Singapore Airlines, which serves as the anchor tenant of the SCFT facility.
The Asia-Pacific region represents a massive market for the Boeing 777X. According to industry fleet data, several major carriers in the region have significant outstanding Orders for the type. By locating the simulator in Singapore, CAE is positioning itself to service not just Singapore Airlines, but also other key operators in East and Southeast Asia.
Key regional customers with 777X orders include:
While Lufthansa, the global launch customer, already has access to a CAE 777X simulator in Germany, and Middle Eastern carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways maintain their own extensive training pipelines, the Singapore device fills the geographic void for the Far East market.
CAE Deploys Asia-Pacific’s First Boeing 777X Simulator to Singapore Training Hub
Strategic Infrastructure for Asian Carriers
Next-Generation Visual Technology
AirPro News Analysis: The Timing of Training
Regional Market Context
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: CAE
Training & Certification
B&H Worldwide Delivers Airbus A330 Cockpit to New Zealand for Training
B&H Worldwide transported an Airbus A330 cockpit from the UK to New Zealand for Pacific Simulators, ensuring biosecurity compliance and specialized sea freight handling.
This article is based on an official press release from B&H Worldwide.
Aerospace logistics specialist B&H Worldwide has announced the successful transport of a decommissioned Airbus A330 cockpit from the United Kingdom to Christchurch, New Zealand. The project, executed for flight training device manufacturer Pacific Simulators (PacSim), highlights the logistical complexities involved in repurposing retired aircraft components for the simulation market.
According to the company’s announcement on February 9, 2026, the operation involved a multi-modal transit route requiring precise handling to navigate strict biosecurity regulations and physical shipping constraints. The cockpit section is set to be converted into a high-fidelity, fixed-base Flight Training Device (FTD), extending the operational life of the airframe in a training capacity.
While B&H Worldwide is traditionally associated with time-critical “Aircraft on Ground” (AOG) air freight services, this project utilized sea freight, presenting a different set of engineering and handling challenges. The primary constraint involved fitting the wide-body cockpit section into a standard 20-foot sea freight container.
The process began in West Sussex, UK, where the unit was collected and transported to B&H Worldwide’s London Heathrow (LHR) facility. There, the logistics team performed specialized packing to ensure the irregularly shaped, high-value avionics and structural components could withstand the maritime journey without damage.
Lee Hedges, the New Zealand Branch Manager for B&H Worldwide, emphasized the significance of this operation in demonstrating the company’s broader capabilities beyond emergency logistics.
“While we are renowned for our time-critical AOG services, this successful delivery proves our capability to handle projects of any scale and scope. The safe arrival of the A330 cockpit in Christchurch is a testament to our team’s expertise in bespoke logistics solutions.”
, Lee Hedges, NZ Branch Manager, B&H Worldwide
Shipping heavy cargo into New Zealand requires adherence to some of the strictest biosecurity standards in the world. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) enforces rigorous checks to prevent the introduction of invasive pests via sea containers. According to the release, the shipment required clearance through an Approved Transitional Facility (ATF) upon arrival in Christchurch. B&H Worldwide managed the documentation and packing materials, such as treated timber, to ensure full compliance, preventing potential delays or fumigation orders that could have compromised the sensitive electronic equipment inside the cockpit.
The delivery of this A330 cockpit underscores a growing trend in the aerospace training sector: the upcycling of retired airframes. As the global demand for pilot training increases, manufacturers like Pacific Simulators are turning to decommissioned aircraft to create Flight Training Devices (FTDs).
Unlike Full Flight Simulators (FFS), which are massive, motion-based systems costing tens of millions of dollars, FTDs often use real aircraft shells to provide tactile realism at a lower cost. From a logistics perspective, this trend creates a niche market for freight forwarders capable of moving large, fragile aircraft sections via cost-effective sea freight rather than expensive air cargo. We anticipate seeing more “hybrid” logistics projects where AOG specialists apply their handling expertise to heavy-lift sea freight to support the circular aviation economy.
Following customs and biosecurity clearance, the cockpit was delivered to Pacific Simulators’ facility in Christchurch. The unit will now undergo conversion into a simulator designed to replicate the A330 flight deck environment for pilot procedures training.
This project marks another collaboration between the logistics provider and the simulation manufacturer, reinforcing the supply chain links necessary to support the global flight training infrastructure.
Sources: B&H Worldwide
B&H Worldwide Executes Complex A330 Cockpit Delivery for Pacific Simulators
Navigating “Bespoke” Logistical Challenges
Biosecurity and Regulatory Compliance
AirPro News Analysis: The Shift Toward Sustainable Training Assets
Final Delivery and Repurposing
Photo Credit: B&H Worldwide
Training & Certification
Lockheed Martin Advances to Phase III of Army Flight School Next
Lockheed Martin selects Robinson R66 NxG helicopter and advanced simulation for US Army Flight School Next Phase III bid.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed Martin announced on February 4, 2026, that it has successfully advanced to Phase III of the U.S. Army’s Flight School Next (FSN) competition. As part of its bid to become the prime contractor for the Army’s Initial Entry Rotary-Wing (IERW) Training program, the company has selected the Robinson R66 NxG helicopter as its primary training platform.
According to the company’s official statement, the bid positions Lockheed Martin as a “prime training systems integrator.” The proposal combines the commercially proven Robinson airframe with Lockheed’s proprietary simulation and training management technologies. The FSN program aims to replace the Army’s current fleet of twin-engine UH-72 Lakotas with a more cost-effective, contractor-owned solution.
Lockheed Martin’s proposal relies on the Robinson R66 NxG (“Next Generation”), a modern iteration of the standard turbine helicopter. While the airframe is supplied by Robinson Helicopter Company, Lockheed Martin would serve as the prime contractor responsible for the entire training enterprise, including the syllabus, logistics, and instruction.
The R66 NxG features the Rolls-Royce RR300 turbine engine, which Lockheed Martin highlights for its reliability and lower operating costs compared to the current twin-engine training fleet. Key upgrades for the “NxG” configuration include:
David Smith, President and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, emphasized the domestic roots of the platform in the press release:
“Our selection of Robinson brings a safe, proven and innovative platform to the table… The R66 offers a modern, American-made solution.”
Beyond the hardware, Lockheed Martin is pitching a “Turnkey Training System” that leverages its “21st Century Security” vision. The company states that its solution incorporates advanced modeling and simulation to streamline pilot production.
Specific technologies cited in the announcement include LM-LIFT™, a data-driven learning management system designed to track student performance, and TRAESER™, a “digital twin” of the flight school. These systems are intended to optimize aircraft maintenance scheduling and resource allocation to ensure the high throughput required by the Army.
Todd Morar, VP of Air and Commercial Solutions at Lockheed Martin, stated: “For years we have been refining a comprehensive solution that aligns with the Army’s vision for a modern, affordable and high-quality training pipeline that will produce fundamentally better aviators.”
The Flight School Next program represents a significant shift in the Army’s training philosophy. By moving to a Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) model, the Army seeks to purchase “training services” rather than owning the aircraft and facilities directly. The program requires the training of 900 to 1,500 pilots annually over a 26-year period of performance.
While Lockheed Martin’s press release focuses on its own advancement, broader industry context indicates a competitive field. The program aims to replace the UH-72 Lakota to reduce operating costs while modernizing the curriculum. A final contract award is expected by September 30, 2026.
Lockheed Martin’s advancement to Phase III highlights a strategic divergence in the competition. By branding the aircraft as the “R66 NxG,” Lockheed appears to be differentiating its offering from competitors who may be pitching the standard R66 airframe. The “NxG” designation likely serves to emphasize the integration of Lockheed’s high-tech simulation ecosystem with the airframe, framing the helicopter as a component of a larger “system” rather than a standalone commodity.
Furthermore, the shift back to a single-engine trainer for initial entry students suggests the Army is prioritizing cost-efficiency and fundamental “stick and rudder” skills. Lockheed’s emphasis on its global experience, citing similar military flight school programs in the UK, Australia, and Singapore, suggests it is banking on its reputation as a large-scale logistics and systems manager to win the contract over service-focused or OEMs-focused rivals.
Sources: Lockheed Martin Press Release
Lockheed Martin Advances to Phase III of Army Flight School Next, Taps Robinson R66 NxG
The “NxG” Platform and Training System
Integration with Advanced Simulation
Program Context and Competitive Landscape
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
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