Leonardo-Textron's M-346N leads US Navy T-45 Goshawk replacement program after SNC withdrawal from UJTS

Sierra Nevada Corporation has withdrawn its Freedom Trainer from the US Navy's Undergraduate Jet Training System competition, leaving the Leonardo-Textron Beechcraft M-346N as the only confirmed proposal from an established aircraft manufacturer. The programme is intended to replace the Navy's aging T-45 Goshawk fleet and currently envisages about 216 advanced training aircraft, with a development ceiling expanded to approximately $2.7 billion. SNC cited unacceptable risk from firm-fixed-price production commitments before design maturity, following earlier withdrawals by other contenders. The remaining M-346N offer has not been formally selected, and an uncontested bid does not constitute a signed production contract.