Aeralis collapse leaves RAF without sovereign Hawk replacement option
May 19, 2026
The UK company hoping to develop a sovereign successor to the RAF’s Hawk trainer aircraft has collapsed after running out of cash. Aeralis, which was developing a modular light jet for training, aerobatics, aggressor and light combat roles, appointed administrators on 16 May.
The Board has taken this decision after careful consideration of the Company’s position and the funding challenges it has faced over recent months,” said Robin Southwell, Chairman of the Board. “We will continue to support the Joint Administrators as they explore viable, sustainable options for the future of the business and engage with interested parties.
The administrators appointed, Buchler Phillips, indicated that the differentiated proposition Aeralis offers is worth saving, adding that they “hope that the administration process will provide an opportunity to explore routes to preserve and develop that value for stakeholders.”
Aeralis: A modular light jet for the RAF and more
The concept from Aeralis is a modular aircraft, one that can be everything from a trainer to an aggressor, an aerobatic performer to ISR and light combat. The company even proposed an uncrewed configuration, should that be desired.
To achieve this, the firm designed a core aircraft fuselage with swappable wings, engines, landing gear, avionics and mission systems.
The proposal would have allowed operators to invest in a single aircraft family capable of performing multiple missions through interchangeable components. Importantly, Aeralis claimed up to 85% parts compatibility across aircraft types, allowing operators to hold a much smaller pool of spares for a much more diverse fleet.
Based on a largely composite airframe, Aeralis prioritised modern aircraft manufacturing techniques. Digital twins, model-based engineering and rapid manufacture through 3D printing are all part of the package.
As a UK company, Aeralis hoped to have a sovereign edge over competing bids for the replacement of the RAF’s Hawk fleet. In particular, the firm hoped to have a shot at replacing the Red Arrows’ Hawk T1 fleet, having even set up shop near Prestwick Airport to build the aircraft.
The aircraft was also pitched as a future advanced trainer for RAF fast-jet pilots preparing to fly Typhoon and F-35 aircraft.
Funding delays and procurement uncertainty proved fatal for Aeralis
For Aeralis, the problem is not necessarily that the concept is flawed. It’s more that it just doesn’t have a customer yet.
The company was backed by Barzan Holdings, the investment arm of the Qatari government. Barzan initially invested over £10 million to get Aeralis off the ground, and later injected a £5 million convertible loan. Eventually, it held about 25% of the company.
However, prior to the administration announcement, Barzan appears to have stepped back. With no further funding from the lead strategic investor and no launch customer, Aeralis had a hard sell finding any more cash.
The much-hoped-for launch customer, the UK’s RAF, has not been in a position to commit to any future trainer aircraft as it continues to await the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). Originally expected to be published in Autumn 2025, the timeline has slipped time and again. It is hoped to be delivered over the summer this year, but companies can’t survive on future maybes.
The RAF took delivery of the last of its first tranche of F-35Bs, bringing the fleet to 48. There has been a promise of a new F-35 order, including nuclear-capable F-35As, but at present, any further purchases are frozen until the DIP is released.
Other companies in the running for the RAF’s new trainer aircraft
While Aeralis attempts to salvage its modular concept, competitors are waiting in the wings to bid for the RAF trainer replacement, once the request is open.
One such contender is the Boeing T-7 Red Hawk, a trainer jet that is just now beginning to enter service with the US Air Force. Boeing, Saab and BAE Systems have signed a letter of intent to jointly offer the Red Hawk to the RAF, with the addition of BAE strengthening the case for a UK contract.
Leonardo has openly pitched the M-346 Master for the RAF, and has discussed the possibility of local assembly of the jet.
The aircraft has been picked by forces including Austria and Indonesia, while a Beechcraft modified version is currently being pitched for the US Navy.
There is also the possibility of competing bids from Korea Aerospace Industries with its KAI T-50 Golden Eagle and from Turkish Aerospace with the TAI Hurjet.
While there’s no shortage of options available when it comes to jet trainers, the collapse of Aeralis removes the only truly sovereign option from the table.
Featured image: Aeralis
