T-50 and M-346 face off in Singapore trainer bid
Singapore’s choice of an advanced jet training system is due next month and could be crucial to the future export prospects of Italy’s M-346 Master and Kor
Singapore’s choice of an advanced jet training system is due next month and could be crucial to the future export prospects of Italy’s M-346 Master and Korea’s T-50 Golden Eagle. These dissimilar training jets have been bid here by rival prime contractors, ST Aero and Lockheed Martin, respectively. The decision here is likely to influence the United Arab Emirates, which notably failed last November to confirm its previously announced selection of the M-346 over the T-50.
The difference between these two evaluations is that Singapore will contract for a total training system, including simulators and classroom trainers. The UAE is selecting an aircraft and will then hold a separate competition for a training systems provider.
