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Boeing Awarded $9.2 Billion Contract For U.S. Air Force T-X Trainer Jet

  • September 28, 2018

Boeing Co., a global aerospace and defense manufacturer, has been awarded a $9.2 billion contract by the U.S. Air Force to produce the T-X trainer jet. Boeing and its partner Saab designed, developed, and flight-tested two all-new, purpose-built jets, proving out the system’s design, repeatability in manufacturing and training capability.

“Today’s announcement is the culmination of years of unwavering focus by the Boeing and Saab team,” said Leanne Caret, president and CEO of Boeing’s defense business. “It is a direct result of our joint investment in developing a system centered on the unique requirements of the U.S. Air Force. We expect T-X to be a franchise program for much of this century.”

As the winners of the competition, Boeing are set to capture sales of at least 351 training jets to the U.S. Air Force, with even more possible in the international market. The program office, engineering and final assembly line being located at Boeing’s St. Louis facility, generating and sustaining more than 1,800 well-paying jobs in the area.

“This new aircraft will provide the advanced training capabilities we need to increase the lethality and effectiveness of future Air Force pilots,” Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson said in the news release. “Through competition we will save at least $10 billion on the T-X program.”

Boeing’s award for the T-X trainer program marks the third major victory by the company in about a month, following an $805 million contract to build the Navy’s first four MQ-25 unmanned tankers and a contact, worth up to $2.38 billion, to manufacture the Air Force’s Huey replacement helicopter.

Missouri has a rich history in aerospace, from Charles Lindbergh, to the Mercury space program, to the latest in aerospace innovation. Today, that cutting edge innovation continues with 100 aerospace manufacturing companies across Missouri, including Boeing, leading the way in every aspect of military aviation.

And its not just military aircraft that are being made in Missouri. Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security division recently completed the manufacture of the company’s first 777X wing edge at its plant in St. Louis, which opened last year, and is Boeing’s first commercial aircraft facility in Missouri.

For more on Missouri’s aerospace and defense manufacturing check out our industry page, or contact Steve Johnson, CEO of Missouri Partnership, at 314.725.2688 or via our contact form, for more information on Missouri.

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