General Dynamics, Alenia Aermacchi team for T-X trainer
General Dynamics and Alenia Aermacchi have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to join forces and compete for the US Air Force's (USAF’s) T-X trainer programme. The programme will replace the USAF’s aging T-38 trainer jets and related training systems.
According to the companies, the team will offer a fully integrated advanced pilot training system built around the Alenia Aermacchi T-100, a market variant of the company's established M-346 military aircraft trainer. General Dynamics will bring its proven experience in systems integration and sub-contract management to deliver an Advanced Pilot Training (APT) Family of Systems (FoS) consisting of aircraft, flight simulation devices, multi-media classrooms and logistics support. The T-100 Integrated Training System will incorporate any unique USAF requirements.
Jerry DeMuro, executive vice president of Information Systems and Technology for General Dynamics, said: ‘The combined strengths of General Dynamics and Alenia Aermacchi's T-100 will deliver a best-in-class training system ensuring that the US Air Force's next generation of fighter pilots are fully prepared to defend the nation and our allies, regardless of the mission. Leveraging aircraft and systems that are already proven internationally saves significant development time and cost for the air force and includes an unprecedented level of safety for the trainees as they train and fly.’
Alenia Aermacchi's M-346 is used by a number of international customers to train forces to operate fourth and fifth generation air-combat aircraft. The system is currently in production for customers including the Israeli, Italian and Singaporean Air Forces, and has also been selected by the United Arab Emirates as their advanced aircraft trainer.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![France unveils new strategic review as Macron vows to accelerate defence spend]()
France unveils new strategic review as Macron vows to accelerate defence spend
The 2025 National Strategic Review highlights the importance of readiness against a growing Russian threat and was published days after a speech from the French President Macron who called for an increase in defence spending worth €6.5 billion by 2027.
-
![Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue]()
Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue
Equipment has continued to flow into Ukraine from the European Union (EU), NATO and western countries as the war against Russia continues but other types of support with longer-term prospects are appearing.
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
