Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on November 16, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 21, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleBoeing is close to announcing a partnership for exporting its T-7 trainer, with potential collaboration with Saab and BAE Systems, amid rising global demand.
DUBAI (Reuters) -Boeing is close to announcing a partnership to bid for an international sales opportunity for its T-7 trainer, company executives said on Sunday, highlighting fast-growing demand for lightweight military training jets.
Reuters reported in July that Boeing and Sweden's Saab were in talks with Britain's BAE Systems on teaming up on a future replacement of the UK's Hawk trainer.
Boeing and Saab have jointly developed the T-7 advanced trainer for the U.S. Air Force, while Britain has said it plans to replace its out-of-production Hawk fleet, part of which is instantly recognisable through its Red Arrows display team.
Asked at a briefing ahead of the Dubai Airshow whether the imminent partnership would address Britain's trainer needs, Boeing's CEO of Defense, Space & Security, Steve Parker said "Watch this space", but declined to provide further details.
Boeing officials said the planned co-operation announcement would come within the next week or so and that overall trainer demand spanned major markets including Europe and Asia.
In June, a British defence strategy review recommended that BAE's Hawk be replaced, and the government said it would welcome interest from UK-based suppliers.
BAE has said it has not decided whether to develop a new jet to replace the Hawk, whose production line closed in 2000.
(Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Alexander Smith)
A military training jet is an aircraft designed specifically for training pilots in military operations, typically featuring advanced avionics and performance characteristics suitable for simulating combat scenarios.
A partnership in business refers to a formal arrangement where two or more parties agree to manage and operate a business together, sharing profits, losses, and responsibilities.
An export bid is a proposal submitted by a company to sell goods or services to a foreign market, often involving competitive pricing and compliance with international trade regulations.
The Dubai Airshow is a major aerospace event that showcases the latest advancements in aviation technology, attracts global industry leaders, and provides a platform for business deals and partnerships.
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