dailyloe.com – Lockheed Martin has announced its decision to withdraw from the competition for a new Navy training jet, as reported by Breaking Defense. The company stated, “Following formal notification to the U.S. Navy, Lockheed Martin has decided not to pursue the UJTS [Undergraduate Jet Training System] solicitation after careful analysis.” This decision indicates a shift in focus for the defense contractor.
Lockheed’s exit from the training jet competition comes shortly after the U.S. Navy released a final request for proposals (RFP) for the UJTS. The company had planned to bid the TF-50N in partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries, but after a thorough assessment, they determined their offering would not be the best solution for the program.
A Lockheed spokesperson explained that the decision was influenced by the required level of U.S. content and other factors. The withdrawal narrows the competition to three remaining bidders. The UJTS aims to replace the Navy’s aging T-45 Goshawk, with the RFP released in March capping engineering and manufacturing development at $1.8 billion.
The Navy anticipates ordering up to 216 aircraft, as noted by Aviation Week. During a recent financial earnings call, Lockheed executives did not mention the UJTS decision. However, they disclosed a $125 million charge to the F-16 fighter program due to production performance and development delays, along with a $55 million impact on the C-130 transport aircraft program due to supplier constraints.
