The USAF's supersonic jet trainer arrives: T-38 Talon

A formation of four 2nd Fighter Squadron T-38 Talons fly in formation over the runway at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 30. Seven Talons arrived here, their temporary home as part of a mission shift by the Air Force as Hurricane Michael recovery efforts continue at Tyndall. The 2nd FS is one of two T-38 Talon adversary squadrons. They provide air-to-air threat replication to support F-22 Raptor combat and formal training squadrons. The squadron also maintains readiness to augment worldwide combat operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ilka Cole)

T-38 Talon, Repair, Inspection, and Maintenance (TRIM) Contract Awarded

Published March 11, 2025
By Capt. Teddy Whitton, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Training Directorate

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. – In an effort to improve the speed and efficiency of T-38 Talon aircraft repair, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Training Directorate awarded a $100 million depot offload contract to Yulista. (No federal endorsement implied).

This contract supplements the Air Force Sustainment Center’s organic depot repair which enables the directorate’s T-38 Talon, Repair, Inspection, and Maintenance (TRIM) program to return the Talon to the warfighter more quickly, addressing the Air Force’s urgent need for safe and reliable aircraft to meet its annual goal of producing 1,500 fighter and bomber pilots.

The TRIM program is a structural modification initiative focused on inspecting and replacing key components of the T-38 aircraft. By upgrading these vital structures, the TRIM modifications extend the aircraft’s operational life by an additional five to ten years.

One of the program’s key advantages is its efficiency - TRIM is designed to complete modifications faster and more cost-effectively than previous approaches. This helps get the jets back into the field swiftly, ensuring that training capabilities are not disrupted.

Given ongoing capacity constraints, this contract will alleviate some of the pressure on Air Force maintenance facilities while ensuring the continued safety and reliability of the T-38 fleet.

The TRIM program plays a pivotal role in maintaining the readiness of the Air Force’s training systems, contributing to the long-term sustainability of critical pilot training programs.