Boeing Expects Boost in Local, International T-X Aircraft Sales

Boeing expects to sell up to 2,600 T-X advanced trainers in the U.S. and overseas after the Air Force announced plans to exploit the capabilities of the aircraft, Air Force Magazine reported Wednesday.

William Torgerson, senior director of T-X program integration at Boeing, said domestic and international sales may seek trainer, light strike and light fighter variants of the aircraft.

He said the Air Force is developing ways to utilize the full capabilities of the T-X jets after it found the aircraft helped save $10B in costs.

Boeing will build 48 jets a year at its facilities in St. Louis, Mo., but the figure may increase to 60 if the Air Force wants to accelerate the program or if the company gets foreign military sales, Torgerson said. 

Saab is Boeing’s partner in the T-X program, which may build the aircraft for some customer countries, particularly those that operate the JAS-39 Gripen fighter. 

The Air Force expects to get the first T-X aircraft in 2023 and to begin deployment by 2024.