Jet Trainer / Light Attack
Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk
The Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk is an advanced jet trainer designed by Boeing with Saab to replace the Northrop T-38 Talon in the US Air Force. It is not yet in service, and initial operating capability is targeted for about 2027 to 2028.
United States|Boeing & SaabWhat Is the Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk? Overview, History and Development
Boeing designed the T-7A with Saab. Boeing builds the forward and final assembly in St. Louis, and Saab builds the aft fuselage in Linköping, Sweden and West Lafayette, Indiana. The demonstrator first flew on 20 December 2016. The USAF awarded a contract in September 2018 for 351 aircraft and 46 simulators, worth about US$9.2 billion. A single F404-GE-103 turbofan of about 79 kN gives supersonic capability, about Mach 1.05, and a ceiling of about 15,240 m.
The programme has been delayed by software and ejection seat issues, and Milestone C and low-rate initial production were approved in May 2026. Initial operating capability is targeted for about 2027 to 2028 at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. No operators exist besides the USAF test and training fleet, and no foreign sale is confirmed as of 2026. Unit price is about US$21 to 27 million, with programme costs rising. The name Red Hawk honours the Tuskegee Airmen’s red-tailed aircraft and the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk.
Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk Variants and Versions Compared
The T-7A is the standard advanced jet trainer designed to replace the T-38.
The T-7A for the USAF is the version ordered in a 351-aircraft contract.
The T-7A export version is the proposed model pitched to NATO and allied air forces.
Which Countries Use the Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk? Operators and Users
United StatesBoeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
When will the T-7A Red Hawk enter service?
The T-7A Red Hawk is targeted for initial operating capability in about 2027 to 2028. Low-rate initial production was approved in May 2026.
How much does a T-7A Red Hawk cost?
A T-7A Red Hawk costs about US$21 to 27 million per aircraft, according to estimates. Programme totals have been rising. The USAF contract for 351 aircraft and 46 simulators was valued at about US$9.2 billion in 2018, and costs have risen since.
Is the T-7A stealth?
No, the T-7A Red Hawk is not a stealth aircraft. It is an unarmed jet trainer, though a weapons-capable variant has been proposed.
How fast is the T-7A Red Hawk?
The Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk can fly at about Mach 1.05. Its ceiling is about 15,240 m. It uses a single GE F404-GE-103 engine of about 79 kN and is designed to train pilots for fighters such as the F-35.
T-7A vs T-38: what is the difference?
The T-7A has a digital design, a glass cockpit and synthetic training capability, and it replaces the Northrop T-38 Talon. The T-38 is a 1960s design.
T-7A vs Hürjet: how do they compare?
The T-7A is a US-Swedish advanced jet trainer with 351 on order for the USAF, while the TUSAŞ Hürjet is Türkiye’s own jet trainer. Both compete for allied trainer markets.