29 Jul 25. Textron, Leonardo to propose M-346N for US Navy UJTS. Powered by two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, the M-346N has maximum cruise speed of more than 590 knots. Textron Aviation Defense and Leonardo have partnered to pitch the Beechcraft M-346N aircraft for the US Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) programme. The US Navy has issued multiple Requests for Information (RFIs) in anticipation of a forthcoming Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new aircraft to be procured under the programme. The proposed Beechcraft M-346N is part of a comprehensive training system derived from the original M-346 aircraft developed by Leonardo. Globally, more than 100 units of the Leonardo M-346 are already serving rigorous pilot training regimens for air forces equipped with 4th and 5th generation fighter jets, including those at Italy’s International Flight Training School (IFTS). The twin-engine M-346N is equipped with advanced digital flight controls and avionics, including a fly-by-wire system with fourfold redundancy. The cockpit is outfitted with advanced interfaces such as a head-up display, large area display, HOTAS controls, and safety innovations like the Auto-GCAS. Textron Aviation Defense president and CEO Travis Tyler said: “With our heritage deeply rooted in the strength and reliability of American manufacturing, the Beechcraft M-346N joins a proud lineup of aircraft built on 95 years of aviation excellence.” Powered by dual Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, the M-346N can achieve speeds exceeding 590 knots and can operate at altitudes up to 45,000ft. The aircraft also incorporates the Embedded Training System avionics suite that facilitates basic to advanced tactical training through emulation of sensors and weaponry, as well as engagement with Computer Generated Forces, said Textron. The training experience is enhanced by an LVC training architecture that synchronises in-flight aircraft (Live), simulation systems (Virtual), and computer-generated allies and adversaries (Constructive), allowing real-time interaction among students. (Source: naval-technology.com)
31 Jul 25. Serbia Holds First Joint Special Forces Drills with China. Serbian and Chinese special operations forces conduct a joint urban assault drill during bilateral training exercises in July. The Serbian Ministry of Defense released the images following the completion of the training. Serbian special forces carried out a 10-day joint military training exercise with Chinese forces, according to Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The exercise Peace Guardian 2025 ended on July 28 and involved Serbia’s 72nd Special Operations Brigade alongside a special forces unit from China’s People’s Liberation Army. It was held in Hebei Province near Beijing. (Source: https://www.sofx.com/)
29 Jul 25. Boeing/Saab in talks with BAE on UK jet trainer bid, sources say.
Summary
- Companies
- Britain aims to replace out-of-production Hawk trainer
- Boeing-Saab have jointly developed T-7 trainer for U.S.
- BAE has not said whether it will replace its Hawk trainer
- UK government encouraging bids from UK-based suppliers
Boeing (BA.N) and Sweden’s Saab are in talks with Britain’s BAE Systems about teaming up on a future replacement of Britain’s Hawk trainer in a growing niche of the fast jet industry, three people familiar with the matter said. Boeing and Saab have jointly developed the T-7 advanced trainer for the U.S. Air Force, while Britain has said it plans to replace its out-of-production Hawk fleet, part of which is instantly recognisable through its Red Arrows display team. Proposals are at an early stage and details are still to be worked out, with no guarantee that an agreement can be reached, one of the sources said.
“We don’t comment on rumour and speculation,” said a spokesperson for BAE Systems, whose corporate predecessor developed the successful Hawk trainer in the early 1970s. (Source: Reuters)