USA – The U.S. Air Force has granted Milestone C production approval for the T-7A Red Hawk advanced pilot trainer, clearing Boeing Defense, Space & Security for a USD 219 million contract covering the first 14 aircraft along with associated spares, support equipment, and training.

The Milestone C decision marks the T-7A's transition from development into low-rate initial production, representing a pivotal moment for the T-7 Advanced Pilot Training Program after a year of focused progress under an "active management" strategy between the Air Force, Air Education and Training Command (AETC), and Boeing.
The broader program of record includes the delivery of 351 T-7A aircraft and 46 ground-based training simulators to five AETC bases over the next decade, replacing the 60-plus-year-old T-38 Talon fleet currently used for advanced pilot training.
The Milestone C decision is the first of several in an innovative phased approach, with the T-7A Program Office seeking individual approval for each of the first three low-rate initial production lots, incorporating insights from ongoing developmental testing before committing to subsequent production.
The T-7A Red Hawk is the first Air Force aircraft designed and built using all-digital methods, with advanced systems equipping student pilots with the skills necessary to transition to 4th, 5th, and 6th generation fighters and bombers. Initial Operational Capability is targeted for 2027.
The 99th Flying Training Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph currently operates two T-7A aircraft for initial operational test and evaluation, qualifying aircrew as future instructors and managing all T-7A operations and training.

Statements

"Reaching Milestone C is a testament to the dedicated government and industry teams who have worked diligently to overcome complex technical hurdles. The T-7A is a pivotal program for the future of our combat air forces, and entering production brings us one step closer to putting this essential capability into the hands of our instructor pilots and students," said William Bailey, Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics.
"Receiving Milestone C approval is monumental. It signifies our confidence in the aircraft's design and our readiness to begin producing this game-changing capability at rate with Air Education and Training Command," said Rodney Stevens, Program Executive Officer for Training and Director of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Training Directorate.
"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. 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," said Brigadier General Matthew Leard, Director of Plans, Programs, Requirements, and International Affairs at AETC.

Source: U.S. Air Force

U.S. Air Force Clears Next-Generation Advanced Trainer for 2026 Production

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