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LONDON–The UK defense ministry is progressing with plans to launch a contest to find a replacement for the BAE Systems Hawk T2 advanced jet trainer.

The competition’s launch has been held back by delays to the publication of the government’s Defense Investment Plan (DIP). But the defense ministry has stood up a program team that is now preparing a strategic outline business case, Minister for Defense Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard said in a Dec. 20 letter to the Parliamentary Select Committee. It was made public on Jan. 20. Preparation of the outline business case is assessing future options and defining a full requirement, he wrote.

“The Ministry of Defense is aware of several potential platform solutions to replace Hawk T2 and all industry engagement will continue to be conducted in accordance with Government Procurement Policy,” Pollard’s letter says.

It had been expected that the contest would get underway before Christmas in line with the original plan for the DIP’s publication at the end of last year. Now that may not take place until March, media reporting has suggested.

The service needs to find a replacement for both the Hawk T1s flown by the Red Arrows aerobatic team and the Hawk T2s used to support advanced jet training.

The Hawk T1s are due to exit service in 2030, but the Hawk T2s were not due to be retired until 2040. However, issues with T2 availability along with emerging obsolescence problems have prompted the service to replace the type “as soon as possible,” Pollard wrote.

So far, two potential contenders have declared that they plan to enter the contest. BAE Systems has announced that it will work with and Saab to offer the T-7 Red Hawk, while Leonardo plans to offer its Block 20 M-346.

Other potential candidates could include the Korea Aerospace Industries FA/T-50 and the Turkish Aerospace Industries Hurjet, although neither airframer has yet to formally declare an interest in the competition.

Pollard said a combination of Hawk T2 training overseas in the U.S., Italy and Qatar is helping to cope with the UK’s demand for fast jet pilots. But he also says the training pipeline “remains taut” and work is underway to improve Hawk T2’s availability, as well as to address shortcomings with a lack of flying instructors, of which more have been recruited. Airfield availability is also an issue.

Pollard said the defense ministry is applying “pressure” on airframer BAE Systems and engine provider Rolls-Royce to ensure the aircraft are available for an expected increase in flight hours in 2026.