Boeing (BA) says it is close to unveiling a new partnership aimed at pursuing an overseas sales campaign for its T-7 training jet, underscoring rising global interest in lightweight military trainers, Reuters reported Sunday, citing company executives.
The company and Sweden’s Saab (OTCPK:SAABF) (OTCPK:SAABY) — its partner on the T-7 for the U.S. Air Force — have been in discussions with BAE Systems (OTCPK:BAESF) (OTCPK:BAESY) about collaborating on a potential successor to the United Kingdom’s long-serving Hawk aircraft, Reuters previously reported.
With Britain looking to eventually retire its Hawk fleet, including the iconic jets flown by the Red Arrows, Boeing (BA) executives hinted that the pending announcement could relate to the U.K.’s requirements. Steve Parker, head of Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security unit, offered only a brief “watch this space” when asked for details ahead of the Dubai Airshow.
Company officials said a formal cooperation announcement is expected within about a week and noted that demand for advanced trainers is increasing across Europe and Asia.
The U.K. signaled in June that it plans to replace the Hawk following a defense strategy review, and invited proposals from domestic industry. BAE (OTCPK:BAESF) (OTCPK:BAESY), however, hasn’t yet committed to designing a new aircraft, years after the Hawk production line shut down in 2000, Reuters reported.