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Air Force Moves T-7A Red Hawk Trainer Into Production With $219 Million Order

The service will approve each early batch separately to fold test data into production decisions.

Image
The T-7A Red Hawk lands for the first time at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, Dec. 5, 2025. (Image credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Benjamin Faske)
Pictured is a U.S. Air Force photo of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, right, and Lt. Col. Jonathan Aronoff, 416th Flight Test Squadron director of operations, left, conducting pre-flight checks in a T-7A Red Hawk, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas on April 23.
A T-7A Red Hawk lands after flight at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Sean Worrell.

Overview

  • The Air Force, which cleared Milestone C on April 23, announced Monday a $219 million order for 14 T-7A jets with spares, support gear and training.
  • Milestone C marks the shift from development to manufacturing, and the first three low‑rate production lots will each need separate approval to manage risk.
  • The service targets initial operational capability in 2027 to begin replacing the 60‑year‑old T‑38 Talon trainer.
  • Training units began preparing in December 2025 when Air Education and Training Command received its first T-7A test jet at Joint Base San Antonio‑Randolph for integration into the 99th Flying Training Squadron.
  • The program of record calls for 351 aircraft and 46 simulators across five bases, the T‑7A was designed using all‑digital methods, and development faced delays tied to ejection‑seat fixes, flight‑control software and supply chains.