Britain launched search for replacement of BAE Systems Hawk jet trainer aircraft — defense department published request for information with final application submission deadline of September 11 — British finally officially began work on replacing obsolete Hawk T1, used by Red Arrows aerobatic team, as well as Hawk T2, used for advanced training of jet aircraft pilots.
As Aviation Week publication reports, currently unknown what requirements may be for Hawk successor aircraft and how many total aircraft Britain wants to purchase. But known is aircraft should provide transition to fifth and sixth-generation platforms, and should also provide for significant British participation share in procurement.
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Against this backdrop, one of most likely candidates appears T-7A Red Hawk. Especially since back in summer 2025 Boeing and Saab conducted negotiations with BAE Systems regarding trainer aircraft supply, and in autumn parties signed letter of intent for creating T-7-based aircraft for British Air Force.
Among other variants may be Italian M-346 from Leonardo, which however currently has no British partner for project implementation. Moreover, previously in Britain Conservatives criticized this aircraft due to Italy's cooperation with russia on trainer-combat aircraft in 1990s. Although it ended due to disputes back in 2000s.
Defense Express notes since trainer aircraft topic is relevant for Ukraine too, which will be strengthened with new Gripen and Rafale, question may arise whether used British Hawks could be interesting for our air forces.
But if taking Hawk T1, this is already very obsolete machine. This is first version, deliveries of these trainers continued from 1976, while Red Arrows aerobatic team has used these aircraft since 1980, replacing Folland Gnat there.
Regarding Hawk T2, it made first flight in 2005 and in 2009 achieved full operational capability.
Although these machines are significantly fresher, it has problematic Adour Mk-951 engine, troubles with which began back in 2022, ultimately causing critical situation with low availability level of this aircraft fleet. Engine life was significantly reduced — more than halved. And although problem was partially resolved, this still affected pilot training system.
So hardly expedient to speak about using these machines for future Armed Forces Air Force pilot preparation in future.
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