UK Releases RFI for New Jet Trainer and Red Arrows Aircraft

UK Releases RFI for New Jet Trainer and Red Arrows Aircraft

A request for information (RFI) has been released to gather industry responses ahead of the replacement of the Hawk T1 and Hawk T2 in Royal Air Force service.  With the planned early retirement of the Hawk T2 and the 2030 sundown of the Red Arrows’ Hawk T1 confirmed in the recently released Defence Investment Plan (DIP), the race to select and procure a new Jet Training System (JTS) has begun in earnest.  Ahead of the release of a full tender, t…

Project to replace Red Arrows Hawk jets officially kicks off

The Ministry of Defence has opened market engagement on a new Jet Training System that will deliver replacement aircraft for fast jet training and for the Red Arrows, ahead of the Hawk T1 leaving service in 2030, the department stated in a request for information. The programme, listed under project code 700004994-RFI, was announced in the Defence Investment Plan 2026. According to the notice, the investment will cover new jets for a modernised …

UK launches RAF advanced jet trainer procurement, with Boeing-Saab T-7A Red Hawk positioned for competition ahead of 2030 Hawk exit

Companies interested in joining the technical dialogue have until 11 September 2026 to submit documentation. The process formally starts the acquisition procedure and could lead to a relatively rapid order for new aircraft. The requirement covers advanced pilot training for future multirole combat aircraft. The selected platform is also expected to become the display aircraft for the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. The Ministry o…