BAE Systems, Boeing and Saab Formalise Partnership to Develop UK’s next Generation Pilot Training

The agreement marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the three companies and commits to a new UK-based final assembly and integration facility.

The partners are ready to offer a solution which would create hundreds of high-value jobs positioning a UK supply chain to take a role throughout the lifecycle of a RAF T-7 programme, ensuring the UK has sovereign control over its own training requirements to meet its next generation combat air needs.

This collaboration with Saab and BAE Systems is an important step in advancing the United Kingdom’s future fast-jet training capability. With the T-7 as its foundation, our modern training system can help deliver sovereign pilot training solutions while supporting high-value jobs and industrial capability across the UK.

The training system combines flying with advanced simulation to enable training on the RAF’s Typhoon and F-35 frontline jets. Its adaptable design will allow the platform and simulators to evolve alongside future aircraft and mission requirements, supporting the RAF as it prepares for future combat air capability including sixth-generation platforms.

In November 2025, BAE Systems, Boeing and Saab signed a letter of intent to collaborate and the partners have since started work to identify the location of a UK final assembly facility and establish a UK supply chain built on their proven existing industrial foundations.