Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has withdrawn from the US Navy’s next-generation jet trainer competition, making Textron Aviation the only remaining major contender for the programme.
SNC confirmed to Breaking Defense that it did not submit a proposal for the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) programme before the October 30 deadline. The company explained that the existing contract structure did not allow it to develop a financially and operationally responsible bid. However, SNC reaffirmed its commitment to naval aviation training and expressed willingness to reconsider participation if the Navy modifies its procurement approach.
Meanwhile, Textron Aviation confirmed that it had submitted its proposal featuring the M-346N advanced trainer aircraft, developed in partnership with Italian aerospace manufacturer Leonardo.
Competition Narrows Following Major Industry Withdrawals
SNC’s departure further reduces the number of competitors in the US Navy’s UJTS procurement programme. The company had partnered with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to propose a newly developed aircraft, designated Freedom, for the requirement.
Northrop Grumman was previously part of the industry team but withdrew in September, leaving SNC and General Atomics to pursue the competition independently.
Several other major defence manufacturers have also exited the programme. In April, Lockheed Martin withdrew its TF-50N proposal, which was being developed in collaboration with Korea Aerospace Industries. Similarly, Boeing and Saab discontinued their joint T-7A Red Hawk offering in June.
With SNC’s withdrawal, Textron’s M-346N proposal appears to have gained a stronger position in the competition. Nevertheless, the US Navy has not announced its final selection, and the programme’s contract award schedule is reportedly being revised, potentially delaying the procurement decision.
