Meanwhile, in another recent programme development, Boeing demonstrated the ability for an airborne T-7A to participate in a networked training sortie involving a ground-based simulator, to a range of 130 miles (209km), exceeding the USAF’s required performance.

With regard to the UK opportunity, Lyons says Boeing is “waiting to see what that RAF requirement is. Then we will look at how well the T-7 fits.

“We look forward to more clarity when the Defence Industrial Plan comes out, to understand what the timelines are,” he adds. To potentially emerge around November, the planning outline from the MoD is also expected to indicate the required fleet size for the UK – currently estimated to be in the 40-50-unit range.

“UK content is obviously going to be key,” he says. “We already have UK content in the jet, and we are in discussions with our existing suppliers.”

Local final assembly is among potential means of enhancing UK industrial involvement, and “makes sense”, he says. Unconfirmed reports from mid-2025 suggested that BAE had been in discussion with Boeing and its T-7A industrial partner Saab around such an activity, with the airframer’s Warton site in Lancashire as a potential focus.

Lyons also cites Boeing’s approach to previous UK purchases, such as of the 737-based P-8A maritime patrol aircraft and E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control platform, and AH-64 Apache attack helicopters. There, UK companies have become involved during in-country modification work, the provision of long-term support, and with increased participation in the airframer’s supply chain for global programmes.

Notably, however, the single-engined Red Hawk is powered by a GE Aerospace F404 turbofan, and its crew escape system uses ACES 5 ejection seats supplied by Collins Aerospace.

“With the platform being designed for a fifth- and sixth-generation environment, and having future flexibility, we think it’s a really good fit for the RAF and a number of other customers,” Lyons says. Boeing has projected a potential global market totalling more than 1,300 Red Hawks.

The US type is expected to face competition for the RAF requirement from the Leonardo M-346, Lockheed Martin/Korea Aerospace Industries T-50 and Turkish Aerospace Hurjet, with UK start-up Aeralis also promoting a clean-sheet modular trainer solution.

Other potential applications for a future UK fleet could include delivering adversary training and acting as a companion trainer supporting operations with its sixth-generation Tempest. The platform is being developed via the Global Combat Air Programme between the nation and joint partners Italy and Japan.