BA · News · 20261104N

Defense Customer Competition

BOEING CO · 2026-11-04 · Importance 34 · Surprise 42

Boeing withdrew from the U.S. Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System competition, which seeks 216 aircraft to replace the T-45 Goshawk fleet. Boeing’s exit followed earlier withdrawals by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, while Sierra Nevada Corporation also withdrew, citing the contract structure. The reports say Textron Aviation Defense and Leonardo remained as established manufacturers with proposals, including Leonardo’s navalized M-346N, leaving Textron and Leonardo in a stronger competitive position. The Navy delayed its final selection until mid-2027, and first deliveries are not expected until 2032.