First Boeing T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer inducted into service
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| A T-7A Red Hawk assigned to the 99th Flying Training Squadron, the first Air Force unit to receive the aircraft, is staged during the arrival ceremony held at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Jan. 9, 2026. |
The U.S. Air Force officially inducted the Boeing T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer into U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command service during a ceremony at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, on January 9, 2026. The jet, APT-5, delivered on 5 December, is the first of 351 jets that will provide training for future U.S. Air Force fighter and bomber pilots in the digital age. The T-7A Red Hawk replaces the T-38 trainer that has been in service for almost 65 years.
“This is the airplane that we need to get us to the next level,” said Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus, acting vice chief of staff, U.S. Air Force. “It has been an absolute wonder to watch as we’ve gone from clean sheet design all the way to an airplane that now sits at Randolph Air Force Base, ready to start flying.”
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our Air Force,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Clark J. Quinn, commander, U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command. “The T-7A represents our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and ensuring our Air Force remains the most dominant air power in the world.”
The digitally designed, built and tested jet will provide advanced training for the rigours of modern-day missions, with an advanced cockpit, open architecture digital fly-by-wire control system and state-of-the-art avionics for a new level of safety. All five engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) jets have now been delivered contractually. This is the first Red Hawk aircraft that has been officially inducted into service at an Air Force base. Companion ground-based training systems with 8K projection resolution and live, virtual and constructive capabilities have also been delivered and are operational.
In 2018, the U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $9.2 billion contract for the advanced trainers and 46 leading-edge simulators and support. The jet went from firm concept to first flight in just 36 months due to its digital design and new production techniques.
“It’s inspiring to see the progress we are making together with the U.S. Air Force on this program,” said Dan Gillian, vice president and general manager, Boeing Air Dominance. “We made a commitment to deliver this trainer, both the aircraft and the Ground Based Training System, on Dec. 5 and it was great to celebrate that accomplishment.”
“This is the airplane that we need to get us to the next level,” said Lt. Gen. Scott L. Pleus, acting vice chief of staff, U.S. Air Force. “It has been an absolute wonder to watch as we’ve gone from clean sheet design all the way to an airplane that now sits at Randolph Air Force Base, ready to start flying.”
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of our Air Force,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Clark J. Quinn, commander, U.S. Air Force Air Education and Training Command. “The T-7A represents our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and ensuring our Air Force remains the most dominant air power in the world.”
The digitally designed, built and tested jet will provide advanced training for the rigours of modern-day missions, with an advanced cockpit, open architecture digital fly-by-wire control system and state-of-the-art avionics for a new level of safety. All five engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) jets have now been delivered contractually. This is the first Red Hawk aircraft that has been officially inducted into service at an Air Force base. Companion ground-based training systems with 8K projection resolution and live, virtual and constructive capabilities have also been delivered and are operational.
In 2018, the U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $9.2 billion contract for the advanced trainers and 46 leading-edge simulators and support. The jet went from firm concept to first flight in just 36 months due to its digital design and new production techniques.
“It’s inspiring to see the progress we are making together with the U.S. Air Force on this program,” said Dan Gillian, vice president and general manager, Boeing Air Dominance. “We made a commitment to deliver this trainer, both the aircraft and the Ground Based Training System, on Dec. 5 and it was great to celebrate that accomplishment.”
Sources: USAF, Boeing
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