The United States Navy has launched the process to replace its ageing Boeing T-45 Goshawk, marking the beginning of a new competition for a carrier-capable jet trainer. In service since the 1990s, the aircraft has been increasingly affected by availability issues and ageing-related constraints.
The future platform will be required to operate from aircraft carriers and prepare pilots for frontline aircraft such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and the F-35C Lightning II. This places the requirement firmly in the advanced trainer category, covering the final phase before operational conversion.
Several candidates are expected to compete. These include the Boeing T-7 Red Hawk, the KAI T-50 in a potential navalised configuration, and the Leonardo M-346, also proposed in a carrier-capable variant. New designs could also emerge as the programme develops.
At this stage, the effort remains in an early phase, with requirements still being refined and no selection made. However, the launch of the competition signals the start of a long-term transition in US Navy pilot training.
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