T-7A Red Hawk Cleared for Full-Rate Production

The T-7A Red Hawk has been cleared for production following Milestone C approval on April 23. The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $219 million contract to Boeing Defense, Space & Security for the first 14 aircraft, along with associated spares, support equipment, and training.

The approval follows a year of progress under an active management strategy, a collaborative effort between the Air Force, Air Education and Training Command, and Boeing. The approach is designed to reduce programmatic and operational risk while delivering capabilities to the warfighter as quickly and safely as possible, according to the US Air Force.

“Our mission is to train the next generation of combat aviators, and the T-7A Red Hawk is the tool we need to do it,” said Brig. Gen. Matthew Leard, Director of Plans, Programs, Requirements, and International Affairs at AETC. “Replacing our 60-plus-year-old T-38s is a top priority. The T-7A’s advanced systems will give our students a far more realistic training environment, ensuring they are prepared for the cockpits of the future.”

With the goal of achieving Initial Operational Capability for the T-7A by 2027, the program office will remain focused on completing the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase, while supporting the initial cadre of instructors and maintainers as they build the foundation for the next generation of Air Force Pilot Training.