Boeing and SAAB have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to develop and manufacture an all-new jet training aircraft to compete for the US Air Force's T-38 Talon replacement requirement, dubbed T-X. Although a formal request for proposals (RFP) has still not been issued, manufacturers are already vying for the lucrative 350-aircraft project. Under the new agreement, formally announced on December 6, Boeing would act as the prime contractor, with Saab as primary partner to cover 'design, development, production, support, sales and marketing', according to the press release. Boeing Military Aircraft President Chris Chadwick commented: 'Boeing and Saab form the foundation for what will be the strongest, most cost-effective industry team. Our comprehensive Family of Systems approach provides a new, purpose-built T-X aircraft supported by innovative training and logistics support to offer total-life-cycle cost benefits to the US Air Force and taxpayers.' Saab President and CEO Hâkan Buskhe said: 'We will invest in development of this completely new aircraft design over the coming years'. Saab says that this agreement has been in planning for a considerable amount of time, and that money is already being spent on the project.
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