Singapore Airshow 2020: Boeing sets sights on T-7A exports to Asia-Pacific region

Boeing is positioning the T-7A Red Hawk it is developing and building with Saab for military trainer and light attack requirements across the Asia-Pacific region, the US corporation announced at the Singapore Airshow on 12 February.

Thomas Breckenridge, vice-president of international sales in Boeing’s strike, surveillance and mobility business unit, told journalists that the company sees opportunities for global sales of up to 2,600 T-7As.

Boeing has announced an intention to export the T-7A Red Hawk to countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The US company will share marketing responsibilities with its T-7A production partner Saab. (Boeing)

The US Air Force is contracted to procure 351 of these aircraft under a USD9.2 billion contract announced in September 2018. Breckenridge also indicated that Asia-Pacific countries could also emerge as principal operators of the type.

Breckenridge said factors that could prove attractive to Asia-Pacific customers include: the aircraft’s re-configurable cockpit that allows it to complement a range of advanced fighter aircraft; the ease with which training can be supported through an open mission system shared by simulator and aircraft; and the aircraft’s design, which is intended to meet future mission requirements.

He also confirmed that Boeing would pursue regional sales of the T-7A to meet procurement requirements for both trainer and light attack aircraft. Boeing has plans to build up to 48 T-7As per year for the USAF, with entry into USAF service planned for 2023. Breckenridge said the company also has capacity to integrate new export orders into its production schedules.