The U.S. Air Force is delaying the production contract for its newest trainer aircraft, the T-7 Red Hawk, and has announced an expanded testing phase as part of a significant reorganization of the program’s acquisition strategy. Originally, the plan was to award Boeing a contract to produce the first T-7s in fiscal year 2025, with intentions to purchase seven jets that same year. However, under the revised strategy outlined by Air Force acquisition chief Andrew Hunter, this contract will now be awarded in 2026.
Hunter emphasized the need for acquisition programs to avoid stagnation, even when fixed-price contracts are in place. He directed the T-7A team to implement updates aimed at reducing risk and enhancing confidence in the aircraft’s design, ensuring the T-7A can be delivered to the warfighter as required.
In addition to the contract delay, the Air Force will purchase four production-representative test T-7s using research and development funds from 2025. These additional aircraft are expected to be delivered in fiscal 2026, nearly doubling the current fleet of five test jets. The T-7s are being flight-tested at multiple locations, including Edwards Air Force Base in California.
Boeing’s interim president and CEO for Defense, Space, and Security, Steve Parker, expressed commitment to providing a safe and advanced training system to U.S. warfighters. He highlighted that the innovative approach allows for a production-ready configuration prior to low-rate initial production, which could mitigate future production risks.
Overall, the Air Force aims to procure around 350 T-7s to replace the aging T-38 Talon trainer fleet. The T-7 is designed as a fifth-generation aircraft trainer, facilitating the instruction of new pilots for advanced aircraft like the F-35. However, the T-7 program has faced multiple design, testing, and production challenges, leading to repeated delays. Initially, the Air Force planned to acquire the first operational T-7s in 2023, but setbacks with ejection systems and flight control software have pushed that timeline back to 2024 and now 2025, resulting in a projected three-year delay.
In February 2024, Boeing reported delays in delivering test T-7s due to quality issues with certain parts and supply chain disruptions affecting the commencement of low-rate initial production. The fifth engineering and manufacturing development jet was initially expected in March or April 2024 but is now anticipated to be delivered in December 2024.
The acquisition of additional test jets will enable the Air Education and Training Command to expedite its test plans and develop a curriculum for the T-7. The Air Force is still aiming to achieve initial operational capability in fiscal 2027. Hunter articulated that the procurement of these test jets would also enhance manufacturing readiness, minimizing potential future costly refits across the fleet of more than 350 T-7As.
Lastly, the new acquisition strategy includes a management approach designed to incentivize Boeing to address unforeseen issues not covered in the 2018 contract, as well as to expedite various program elements. An official noted one specific “emergent issue” was the Air Force’s interest in expanding the T-7’s operational range.
Stephen Losey reports on air warfare for Defense News and has covered various defense topics previously.
