U.K. Air Force to Replace Hawk Trainer with Locally-made Aircraft

The Royal Air Force (RAF) is set to replace its ageing fleet of Hawk fast jet trainers, with plans to source the next-generation aircraft from within the United Kingdom.

During a visit to RAF Valley, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the decision to BFBS Forces News, indicating that the iconic Hawk, in service since 1976, will be succeeded by a modern and potentially British-built alternative.

The announcement follows the recent Strategic Defence Review (SDR), released on 2 June, which called for an overhaul of the RAF’s T1 and T2 Hawk training aircraft. The report labelled the Hawks as in need of replacement and highlighted the need for a more cost-effective solution to meet current and future pilot training requirements.

“The aircraft has served us well, but it's time to upgrade,” Starmer said during the visit. “We’re making the necessary investment so that our fast jet pilots have the equipment they need in a changing world.”

RAF Valley is the hub of fast jet pilot training in the U.K., where student pilots train for operational frontline roles.

The Hawk platform, while upgraded over the years, is reaching the end of its serviceable life. It also serves as the aircraft used by the Red Arrows, the RAF's aerobatic display team.

The government has signalled an intent to award future fast jet training contracts to British companies, supporting domestic aerospace manufacturing and job creation. The SDR also proposed reforms to the RAF’s overall training approach, including greater use of private contractors and overseas options to improve cost-efficiency and readiness.

No specific aircraft manufacturer has yet been announced, but industry sources suggest that U.K.-based firms could play a key role in the design and production of the new training platform.