Hawk T2 Trainer ‘Outdated’, Has Technical Problems: U.K. RAF Chief

The head of the U.K. Royal Air Force (RAF), Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, has criticized the Hawk T2 as outdated and unreliable, calling for its replacement as soon as possible.

Speaking at the Freeman Air and Space Institute, Sir Rich stated that the Hawk T2, which is used for training RAF fast jet pilots, no longer meets the required standards, delivering only half of its expected performance.

The aircraft's technical issues have led to delays in U.K.-based training, with some student pilots being sent to Italy and the U.S. to complete their courses. The Hawk T2 is officially scheduled to remain in service until 2040, but Sir Rich has expressed a desire to remove it from active duty much earlier.

A replacement aircraft, such as the Leonardo M346, would enhance training capacity and eliminate the need for RAF pilots to train abroad. It would also allow the U.K. to host foreign pilots, including those from countries like Qatar. Sir Rich emphasized that this change would be a vital step in ensuring the future of RAF training.