USAF Orders 351 T-7A Red Hawk Trainers

The USAF has contracted Boeing for 351 T-7A Red Hawk advanced jet trainers to replace its aging T-38 fleet.

In an announcement, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) confirmed a $9.2 billion contract for 351 Boeing T-7A Red Hawk aircraft to modernize pilot training and retire the legacy Northrop T-38 Talon trainers. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026, with initial aircraft assigned to Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. The move is a major step in updating the service’s training infrastructure and supporting aerospace industry jobs.

T-7A Red Hawk: what this means for training

The T-7A Red Hawk is being introduced as the USAF’s new advanced jet trainer. Boeing’s program replaces the decades-old T-38 fleet and aims to give student pilots modern systems and training workflows. The contract underscores a broader effort to align training aircraft with frontline fighter technologies and to reduce long-term sustainment costs as the service prepares future aviators.

351 Boeing T-7A Red Hawk aircraft ordered under a $9.2 billion contract.
Replaces the Northrop T-38 Talon training fleet.
Deliveries due to start in 2026 at Sheppard Air Force Base (Texas).
Program supports pilot training modernization and U.S. aerospace industry growth.

For the USAF, the T-7A procurement is both a capability upgrade and a timeline milestone: the service will phase in the new trainer while retiring older airframes. Boeing and the Air Force will refine delivery schedules and training pipelines as the program moves from production to operational training units. Watch the U.S. Air Force and Boeing channels for official updates and deployment timelines.