Textron Aviation Defense is positioning its newly announced Beechcraft M-346N as the U.S. Navy’s next jet trainer, emphasizing that the aircraft is operationally proven and ready for immediate use.

Travis Tyler, president and CEO of Textron Aviation Defense, Travis Tyler, president and CEO of Textron Aviation Defense,

Speaking in an interview published on the company's website, Travis Tyler, president and CEO of Textron Aviation Defense, highlighted that the M-346N is designed to replace the Navy’s aging T-45 Goshawk fleet and deliver not just an aircraft, but a complete, integrated training ecosystem.

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“The M-346N has been flying operationally for nearly a decade with the Italian Air Force and other international customers. If the Navy brought us a student today, we could train them to the expected standard to begin operational training in any Navy or Marine aircraft,” Tyler said. He added that this maturity eliminates the delays and risks typical of new development programs.

Equipped with Head-Up Displays, Large Area Displays, and simulated radar and sensor systems, the M-346N aims to prepare students for advanced mission management while still teaching core flying skills. According to Tyler, this comes “at a fraction of the cost of flying an F-18 or F-35.”

The M-346N incorporates live, virtual, and constructive training to simulate complex missions without relying on costly live assets. Tyler explained that carrier landing training, for example, can be conducted in high-fidelity simulators replicating all aspects of deck operations, helping reduce wear on real carriers and aircraft.

While major components such as wings, fuselage, and tail will be built by Leonardo, the M-346N will be assembled in the United States. “With our heritage rooted in American manufacturing, the Beechcraft M-346N joins a proud lineup of aircraft built on 95 years of aviation excellence,” Tyler said.

Although the Navy’s current plan requests delivery by 2030, Tyler stated that Textron could begin delivering aircraft within 18 months if asked. “Our production lines are active, and our supply chain is already hot — ready to scale immediately,” he said.

Tyler argued that Textron’s focus on training aircraft sets it apart. “When the Navy calls, they get the A team, direct access to leadership, and a partner who’s ready now,” he said, framing the M-346N as both a low-risk and high-capability choice.