M1 Support Services Wins $115M Contract for T-38 Aircraft Maintenance

This article is based on an official press release from M1 Support Services and additional background data regarding U.S. Air Force operations.

M1 Support Services (M1), a Denton, Texas-based provider of aviation logistics, announced today that it has been awarded a contract valued at $115,421,582 by the U.S. Air Force. The agreement tasks M1 with the operations, maintenance, and sustainment of the T-38 Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP), a critical support initiative for the Air Force’s advanced fighter and bomber fleets.

According to the company’s official statement, the contract is expected to run through January 31, 2030. It covers a fleet of 62 aircraft, specifically the T-38A, AT-38B, and T-38C Talon models. This award ensures the continued availability of these aircraft for specialized training missions that support F-22 Raptor, B-2 Spirit, and U-2 Dragon Lady pilots.

Scope of Sustainment and Key Locations

Under the terms of the agreement, M1 will manage all aspects of aircraft readiness, including inspections, intermediate repairs, approved modifications, off-site repair, and transient maintenance services. The work will be distributed across several major Air Force bases, reflecting the geographic spread of the assets the T-38 supports.

The primary performance locations identified in the press release include:

• Beale AFB, California: Home to the U-2 reconnaissance fleet.
• Whiteman AFB, Missouri: The primary base for the B-2 stealth bomber.
• Langley AFB, Virginia: A key hub for F-22 Raptor operations.
• Holloman AFB, New Mexico: A major training center.

Additionally, M1 will provide support to the U.S. Army Air Operations Directorate at White Sands Missile Range and the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) in El Paso, Texas.

In a statement regarding the award, M1 leadership highlighted the integration of new strategies to manage the aging fleet.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to support T-38 AMP. For this next phase of the T-38 program, we are proud to have incorporated several impactful innovations directly focused on increasing aircraft availability and operational flexibility. Combined with our commitment to safety and quality, the Air Force can continue to place their trust in M1 to deliver exceptional performance.”

George Krivo, Chairman and CEO of M1 Support Services

Operational Context: The Role of the T-38

While the T-38 Talon is a legacy airframe dating back to the 1960s, it fulfills a modern, cost-effective niche in pilot readiness. According to Air Force operational data, the T-38 AMP provides “adversary air” assets for the F-22 community. By using the smaller, less expensive T-38s as “bandit” aircraft, F-22 pilots can train against physical targets without incurring the high flight-hour costs associated with fifth-generation fighters.

Furthermore, the program provides “companion training” capabilities for B-2 and U-2 pilots. Because the B-2 and U-2 are high-value, low-density assets with significant operating costs, pilots utilize the T-38 to maintain flight proficiency, instrument currency, and situational awareness. This approach preserves the airframe life of strategic bombers and reconnaissance aircraft while ensuring pilots remain flight-ready.

AirPro News Analysis

This contract award highlights the continued reliance on legacy platforms to support cutting-edge airpower. The T-38 Talon fleet is over 60 years old, presenting unique maintenance challenges that require specialized logistics expertise. The mention of “impactful innovations” by CEO George Krivo suggests a focus on modernizing supply chains or predictive maintenance to keep these older jets airworthy.

We also note the corporate context surrounding this award. M1 Support Services was acquired by private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management in May 2024. The retention of this major Air Force contract, following a similar award M1 held in 2016, demonstrates that the ownership transition has not disrupted the company’s standing with the Department of Defense. The fixed-price-incentive-fee structure of the contract likely places a premium on efficiency, aligning with standard private equity operational goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total value of the contract?
The contract is valued at $115,421,582.

When is the contract expected to be completed?
Work is scheduled to be completed by January 31, 2030.

What specific aircraft are being maintained?
M1 will sustain 62 aircraft, including T-38A, AT-38B, and T-38C Talon models.

Sources: Business Wire, U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force