Saab’s T-7 partnership enters production phase

The US Air Force has placed an initial order with Boeing and Saab for 14 T-7 aircraft, including spare parts, support systems and training.

The order is valued at USD 219 million.

The T-7 programme is led by Boeing in close partnership with Saab, which serves as a key industrial partner in the development and production of the aircraft. In a statement, Saab highlighted its cooperation with Boeing.

- We are proud to partner with Boeing to deliver an innovative, digitally developed and mission-ready trainer aircraft for the next generation of pilots, the company said.

At the same time, the US Air Force approved the T-7 for series production.

The programme comprises 351 aircraft and 46 simulators across five bases over the coming decade. Production will ramp up gradually through successive decisions, aimed at reducing risk and incorporating test results ahead of full-rate production.

Boeing and Saab first formalised their cooperation in December 2013, signing an agreement to jointly develop and build the T-X advanced training system to replace the ageing T-38C Talon.

The recent decision marks a key step in the T-7 advanced pilot training programme, conducted in cooperation between the Air Force, Air Education and Training Command (AETC) and industry.

Over the past year, the programme has been managed using an active risk management approach to accelerate its introduction.

The platform is scheduled to replace the T-38 Talon from 2027 and will prepare pilots for transition to modern fighter aircraft.