Aviation News – The U.S. Navy has confirmed a requirement for 216 new training aircraft to replace its T-45 Goshawk fleet under the Undergraduate Jet Training System, a move critical to sustaining pilot production.
The requirement was outlined in an updated Request for Information released on Dec. 15, 2025, signaling the Navy’s intent to modernize its jet training pipeline. The new aircraft will support undergraduate jet training for future naval aviators as the decades-old T-45 fleet approaches the limits of its service life.
The Undergraduate Jet Training System program is designed to provide advanced training before pilots transition to frontline aircraft. Industry partners are expected to respond to the RFI as the Navy refines requirements, assesses available platforms, and evaluates long-term affordability, safety, and training effectiveness.