Northrop Grumman (NG) and its partner BAE Systems have decided not to submit a proposal for the US Air Force (USAF) Advanced Pilot Training program, or known as T-X Trainer program.

The company said in a press statement that NG and its principal teammate have carefully examined the USAF’s T-X Trainer requirements and acquisition strategy as stated in the final request for proposals issued on the 30th of December 2016. As a result, “The companies have decided not to submit a proposal for the T-X Trainer program, as it would not be in the best interest of the companies and their shareholders.”

According to NG, both companies remain fully committed to performing on current and future USAF programs, to deliver critical capabilities to US airmen. NG is also the main contractor for other USAF’s prestigious program such as the new bomber B-21 Raider.

The decision is announced just a week after the withdrawal of Raytheon and Leonardo, as they also leave the bid because the companies are unable to reach a business agreement that is in the best interest of the USAF.

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Leonardo and Raytheon withdraw from T-X competition
Raytheon and Leonardo have decided not to jointly pursue the US Air Force (USAF) Advanced Pilot Training program, known as T-X.
 

According to USAF, T-X program will provide student pilots in Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) advanced phase and Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) with the skills and competencies required to transition into 4th- and 5th-generation fighter aircraft.

The Air Force is well on its way to replacing the fifty-five year old T-38 with the 30th of December 2016 release of the development request for proposal, or RFP, for the T-X program.