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FEINDEF 2025: Saab Introduces T-7 Next Generation Digital Training Architecture for Fighter Pilots.
At the FEINDEF 2025 exhibition in Madrid, the Army Recognition team met with Ingemar Karlsson, a representative from Saab, for an exclusive interview focused on the T-7, the advanced training aircraft introduced by the Swedish company. Designed as a complete pilot training system for fighter aircraft, the T-7 represents a new approach to preparing modern aircrews, combining digital flexibility, simplified maintenance, and reduced lifecycle costs.
One of the key innovations lies in the T7’s digital architecture, which allows the aircraft to be reprogrammed and adapted through software updates rather than requiring hardware modifications (Picture source: Saab)
The T-7 showcased by Saab at FEINDEF 2025 positions itself as a transformative solution in the field of advanced fighter pilot training. Designed as an integrated training system rather than a standalone aircraft, the T-7 responds to a growing demand for platforms that can bridge the gap between basic flight training and the operation of modern combat aircraft. Saab’s approach integrates both airborne and ground-based elements, offering a unified and coherent pathway for pilot preparation.
From its inception, the T-7 was engineered with cost-efficiency and operational practicality as central objectives. This philosophy has guided the design choices related to maintenance, logistics, and system sustainability. The aircraft's support structure is built to minimize logistical footprint and technical complexity while maximizing availability. Its modular components and streamlined maintenance processes contribute to significantly lower lifecycle costs compared to traditional training platforms.
One of the key innovations lies in the T-7’s digital architecture, which allows the aircraft to be reprogrammed and adapted through software updates rather than requiring hardware modifications. This enables the training system to be rapidly adjusted to simulate different fighter aircraft configurations, such as those of the Eurofighter or fifth-generation platforms like the F-22. This level of digital flexibility ensures that air forces can tailor the training environment to match their own operational fleets without the need for multiple aircraft types.
In terms of flight characteristics, the T-7 incorporates a modern, ergonomically designed cockpit with advanced avionics, intuitive display systems, and digital flight controls. Its tandem seating configuration is specifically designed to offer unobstructed visibility for both the student and the instructor, enhancing safety and training effectiveness during all phases of flight.
However, the aircraft itself is only one part of Saab’s comprehensive offer. The T-7 system includes a full suite of training tools and support infrastructure, such as ground-based simulators, embedded training capabilities onboard the aircraft, digital mission debriefing systems, and integrated logistic support solutions. This holistic approach aims to provide a seamless transition from ground instruction to live flying, ensuring continuity and consistency in training methodology.
The system’s modularity and scalability make it particularly attractive for international air forces seeking a long-term solution that can evolve with changing operational requirements. Its software-defined nature supports future capability growth, allowing training profiles to be continuously updated in response to technological advancements or changes in aircraft fleets.
By introducing the T-7 at FEINDEF 2025, Saab underscores its commitment to redefining the standards of fighter pilot training. The platform addresses a broad spectrum of needs, operational, technical, and budgetary, while remaining adaptable to the diverse requirements of current and future military aviation environments. Through this system, Saab offers not only a technologically robust training aircraft but also a forward-looking, sustainable solution designed to support next-generation aircrews across a wide range of defense ecosystems.