Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) has pulled out of the US Navy’s next-generation jet trainer competition, leaving Textron Aviation as the only remaining major contender for the contract.
SNC confirmed to Breaking Defense that it had not submitted a proposal for the Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) program before the October 30 deadline.
The company said the current contract structure prevented it from submitting a responsible bid, but added that it remained committed to naval jet training and was prepared to reengage if the navy revisited its approach.
Textron, meanwhile, confirmed that it had submitted its proposal for the M-346N trainer, developed in partnership with Italian aerospace company Leonardo.
Competition Narrows to Textron
SNC’s withdrawal further reduces an already shrinking field of competitors for the UJTS program.
The company had been pursuing the contract alongside General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, proposing a clean-sheet aircraft called the Freedom.
Northrop Grumman previously joined the team but withdrew in September, leaving SNC and General Atomics to continue their bid without its participation.
Other major defense companies have also abandoned the competition, including Lockheed Martin, which withdrew its TF-50N proposal with Korea Aerospace Industries in April, and Boeing and Saab, which dropped their T-7A Red Hawk offering in June.
With SNC now out, Textron’s M-346N appears to have a clearer path toward the contract, although the US Navy has yet to announce a selection.
The service is reportedly pushing back its planned contract award timeline.
