► BAE Systems, Boeing and Saab formalise partenrship to develop UK’s next generation pilot training

BAE Systems, Boeing and Saab have signed a teaming agreement to advance their partnership on a next generation pilot training offer for the UK, anchored by the Boeing T-7 system.

The agreement marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the three companies and commits to a new UK-based final assembly and integration facility.

The partners are ready to offer a solution which would create hundreds of high-value jobs positioning a UK supply chain to take a role throughout the lifecycle of a RAF T-7 programme, ensuring the UK has sovereign control over its own training requirements to meet its next generation combat air needs.

Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems said: “By bringing together this international team of leading defence companies, we are in an excellent position to support the UK’s future training requirements. Our offer represents a modern, integrated training solution which aligns with the ambition of the Defence Investment Plan, while strengthening the UK’s sovereign industrial capability.”

Steve Parker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Defense, Space & Security said: “This collaboration with Saab and BAE Systems is an important step in advancing the United Kingdom’s future fast-jet training capability. With the T-7 as its foundation, our modern training system can help deliver sovereign pilot training solutions while supporting high-value jobs and industrial capability across the UK.”

Micael Johansson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saab, said: “We are delighted to continue our co-operation with BAE Systems. The collaboration between Saab, Boeing and BAE Systems promises to strengthen the T-7’s position for the UK as the future-proof solution for the RAF.”

T‑7 is undergoing flight testing with the US Air Force and an initial production order (Milestone C) was achieved in late April, signaling the Force’s confidence in the aircraft’s design and readiness.

The training system combines flying with advanced simulation to enable training on the RAF’s Typhoon and F-35 frontline jets. Its adaptable design will allow the platform and simulators to evolve alongside future aircraft and mission requirements, supporting the RAF as it prepares for future combat air capability including sixth-generation platforms.

In November 2025, BAE Systems, Boeing and Saab signed a letter of intent to collaborate and the partners have since started work to identify the location of a UK final assembly facility and establish a UK supply chain built on their proven existing industrial foundations.