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12th Flying Training Wing

The 12th Flying Training Wing, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, develops the next generation of Air Force aviators and enlisted aircrew by providing world-class flying training and education. The wing trains Airmen in the fundamentals of airmanship, instruction and leadership, preparing them for success in operational units across the Air Force. Through undergraduate Combat Systems Officer training, Pilot Instructor Training, Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals, Remotely Piloted Aircraft pilot indoctrination, enlisted aviator training, and other specialized programs, the 12th FTW produces skilled, adaptable, and combat-ready professionals capable of meeting the demands of today's complex operating environment while strengthening the future of American airpower.

 

 

12FTW Units

aircraft mechanic, performs maintenance 12th Maintenance Group
12th Maintenance Group
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Photo of an undergaraduate combat systems officer graduation 479th Flying Training Group
479th Flying Training Group
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An Airman inspects an aircraft 12th Operations Group
12th Operations Group
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Articles

Air Force greenlights T-7A Red Hawk for production following Milestone C

  • Published
  • Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) --  

The T-7A Red Hawk has officially been cleared for production. Following Milestone C approval on April 23, the Air Force is moving forward with a $219 million contract for the first 14 advanced trainer aircraft along with associated spares, support equipment, and training from Boeing Defense, Space & Security.  

This achievement marks a pivotal moment for the T-7 Advanced Pilot Training Program. It follows a year of focused progress under an “active management” strategy, a collaborative effort between the Air Force, Air Education and Training Command, and Boeing.   

This approach, aligned with the Department of the Air Force’s acquisition transformation directives, is designed to optimize both programmatic and operational risk to deliver capabilities to the warfighter as quickly and safely as possible.  

“Reaching Milestone C is a testament to the dedicated government and industry teams who have worked diligently to overcome complex technical hurdles,” stated William Bailey, Performing the Duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. “The T-7A is a pivotal program for the future of our combat air forces, and entering production brings us one step closer to putting this essential capability into the hands of our instructor pilots and students.”

CSAF and 416th director of operations walking on the flightline.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach and Lt. Col. Jonathan Aronoff, 416th Flight Test Squadron director of operations, walk on the flightline at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, April 23, 2026. The pilots were preparing to fly a T-7A Red Hawk, the training platform set to begin replacing Air Education and Training Command’s aging T-38 Talon training aircraft in 2027. The Air Force recently approved initial production of 14 T-7A aircraft, spares and trainers to get the next generation training capabilities into the hands of instructor pilots and students as quickly and safely as possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Sean Worrell)
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T-7A Red Hawk taxis for take off.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach, right, and Lt. Col. Jonathan Aronoff, 416th Flight Test Squadron director of operations, left, conduct pre-flight checks in a T-7A Red Hawk, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, April 23, 2026. The T-7A is set to begin replacing Air Education and Training Command’s aging T-38 Talon training aircraft in 2027. The Air Force recently approved initial production of 14 T-7A aircraft, spares and trainers to get the next generation training capabilities into the hands of instructor pilots and students as quickly and safely as possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Sean Worrell)
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T-7A Red Hawk landing.

A T-7A Red Hawk lands after flight at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, April 23, 2026. The T-7A is set to begin replacing Air Education and Training Command’s aging T-38 Talon training aircraft in 2027. The Air Force recently approved initial production of 14 T-7A aircraft, spares and trainers to get the next generation training capabilities into the hands of instructor pilots and students as quickly and safely as possible. (U.S. Air Force photo by Sean Worrell)
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The T-7A Red Hawk is the first Air Force aircraft to be designed and built using all-digital methods, a process intended to streamline development, production and sustainment. The platform’s advanced systems will equip student pilots with the skills necessary to transition to 4th, 5th, and 6th generation fighters and bombers.   

This Milestone C decision is the first of several in an innovative, phased approach. The directorate’s T-7A Program Office will seek approval for each of the first three low-rate initial production lots individually. This allows the team to manage concurrency risk by incorporating insights from ongoing developmental testing and other program progress before committing to subsequent production lots.    

“Receiving Milestone C approval is monumental,” said Rodney Stevens, Program Executive Officer for Training and Director of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Training Directorate. “It signifies our confidence in the aircraft’s design and our readiness to begin producing this game-changing capability at rate with Air Education and Training Command. While there is still work to do, we have a strong partnership and a clear path forward to deliver the world’s most advanced pilot training system.” 

T-7A Red Hawk flying.

A T-7A Red Hawk soars over Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. after conducting a developmental test mission over the Mojave Desert. The Air Power Foundations Combined Test Force and T-7A Integrated Test Force continues to make progress on the aircraft, with the first aircraft arriving to Air Education and Training Command on Dec. 8, 2025, at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. (Air Force photo by Bryce Bennett)
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The broader program of record includes the delivery of 351 T-7A aircraft and 46 ground-based training simulators to five AETC bases over the next decade.   

“Our mission is to train the next generation of combat aviators, and the T-7A Red Hawk is the tool we need to do it,” said Brig. Gen. Matthew Leard, Director of Plans, Programs, Requirements, and International Affairs at AETC. “Replacing our 60-plus-year-old T-38s is a top priority. The T-7A’s advanced systems will give our students a far more realistic training environment, ensuring they are prepared for the cockpits of the future.”  

With the goal of achieving Initial Operational Capability for the T-7A by 2027, the program office will remain focused on completing the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase, while supporting the initial cadre of instructors and maintainers as they build the foundation for the next generation of Air Force Pilot Training.  

 

Public Affairs Information

Tours of the 12th Flying Training Wing are provided to various community organizations, high schools, businesses, and academic military recruitment programs to educate their members about the 12th FTW mission.

Due to the high volume of requests and limited public affairs resources, tours and static displays are limited.

Please submit all requests in writing to the 12th FTW Public Affairs by email to 12ftw.pa.1@us.af.mil at least three weeks but no more than six weeks in advance. You may also call 210-652-1272.

Tours are not available on weekends and may be cancelled at any time because of increased security measures or mission requirements. The 12th FTW does not host tours of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph at-large. To schedule a tour of JBSA-Randolph, please contact JBSA-Randolph Public Affairs at 502abw.pa.official@us.af.mil or dial 210-652-4410.

If desired, requestors must arrange all meals. PA will provide contact information to base eateries. Modified tours will be granted for those with limited mobility - this must be stated on the tour request. If not stated, it is assumed that mobility is not an issue.