Saab opens new T-7A trainer aft section factory in Indiana, US

Saab has opened a new facility in West Lafayette, Indiana for production of the aft airframe section for the T-7A Red Hawk trainer programme.

It will also support research and development in autonomy, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing.

“This opening marks a historic moment for Saab. This high-tech facility and its growing workforce are a result of Saab’s continued investment in the United States. Just as the T-7A Red Hawk will train the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots, we look forward to welcoming and training the next generation of aerospace engineers and other skilled employees,” said president and group CEO of Saab Micael Johansson. “As a trusted local partner, Saab is committed to investing in both our West Lafayette community and the research and development for a more sustainable world to keep people and society safe.”

By 2027, Saab expects to hire up to 300 employees for this facility, including assemblers, engineers, system administrators, and more.

The T-7A Red Hawk is an all-new, advanced pilot training system designed and manufactured through a Saab-Boeing partnership for the US Air Force to train the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots.

Saab’s site in West Lafayette will build an aft section with installed subsystems that extends from behind the cockpit to the end of the aircraft, and supply them to Boeing’s final assembly line in St Louis for joining with the front section, wings, fins and tail.

www.saab.com