MERIDIAN, Miss.- Raytheon has been manufacturing products in Mississippi for over three decades, and they have now chosen Meridian as the newest site for its T-100 Integrated Air Training System.
“A lot of competition across the United States but to announce that Raytheon will be manufacturing and assembling the new Air Force T-100 Trainer is a big win for Mississippi,” Gov. Phil Bryant said.
The training system is a comprehensive, next-generation training solution that is customized to meet and exceed the mission requirements of the U.S. Air Force. That puts Raytheon in the running to be selected by the U.S. Air Force to produce the jets specifically for their use.
The entire Mississippi Congressional delegation expressed their excitement for the decision.
“New, cutting-edge training aircraft are critical to our national security, and I am confident that Mississippi workers can help provide those planes,” said Cochran, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and its Subcommittee on Defense. “I look forward to this competition and I am excited that Meridian may play an expanded role in defense of our nation.”
“For more than 30 years, Raytheon has been a strong partner in our state, enhancing national security and providing jobs for hundreds of Mississippi families,” said Wicker, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “It is no secret that our state is a leader in aerospace manufacturing and technology. This announcement has tremendous potential for Meridian and the future of the industry in Mississippi.”
This delegation has worked very hard to promote Mississippi to Raytheon as the number one candidate for it’s manufacturing facilities.
The system is based on the Aermacchi M-346. It combines cutting-edge, ground-based simulators with computerized classroom training. This software allows a new generation of pilots to prepare thoroughly.
“Our process determined that the best location for building the T-100 is Meridian,” said Rick Yuse, president of Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems. “It provides the right blend of infrastructure, proximity to our customers, government support and a talent base that’s ready for the high tech jobs critical to our success.”
Raytheon has partnered with Leonardo-Finmeccanica, CAE USA, and Honeywall Aerospace to offer the T-100 to the U.S. Air Force.
