Saab To Set Up US Aircraft Facility For USAF T-X Trainers

Saab has offered to establish manufacturing and production capability in the United States for its Boeing/Saab T-X advanced trainer aircraft.

Developed in partnership with Boeing, the T-X advanced trainer can provide a new highly capable training solution for the United States Air Force. Saab has started the process to evaluate and identify potential locations for production.

“The Boeing and Saab T-X is designed and purpose built for the USAF training mission, so we believe that the entire aircraft, including our part, should also be manufactured in the U.S.” states Håkan Buskhe, President and CEO of Saab AB. “Saab has already invested in the development of the T-X Advanced Trainer aircraft and if Saab and Boeing win, Saab will carry that commitment a step forward into manufacturing and production in the US”.

Boeing T-X is a training system designed specifically for the U.S. Air Force training mission. If Boeing and Saab win the competition, T-X will replace the service’s fleet of aging T-38 aircraft. An award is expected at the end of this year.

The final choice regarding location for production in the U.S. would be made based on what best serves the needs of the program as well as Saab’s own long-term strategy for growth.

The establishment of a new production capability would add to Saab’s presence in the U.S. which includes solutions for radar and sensors, signature management, training and simulation, and support services as well as for high resolution 3D mapping, air traffic management and homeland security. Saab currently has seven operations in four states and the District of Columbia.