UK Ministry of Defence Initiates Procurement for New RAF Jet Trainer to Replace Hawk Fleet
The UK Ministry of Defence has commenced the procurement process for a new advanced jet trainer for the Royal Air Force (RAF), aiming to replace the existing Hawk fleet. This initiative, launched on August 7, 2026, involves a technical dialogue with potential suppliers, with documentation submissions due by September 11, 2026. The new trainer is intended to prepare pilots for fifth- and sixth-generation combat aircraft and will also serve as the display aircraft for the RAF Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. Boeing and Saab have partnered with BAE Systems as their UK industrial partner for the T-7A Red Hawk, a potential candidate for the contract. Other competitors include Leonardo, Korea Aerospace Industries, and Turkish Aerospace Industries. The Ministry emphasizes maximizing British industry participation, with the older Hawk T1 aircraft scheduled to leave service by 2030. 
