>>542031706
I don't know.
Maybe the T-50N due to it being 80% Locksneed, and we know just how strong their political hold is even if it waned a bit after the F-35 delays.
If the USN ever plans to return to land their trainers on carriers (extremely hard with their current situation) or even just a full FCLP then the totally-not-scorpion, turkish funded Freedom Trainer would be the one I feel like has the most chances of being chosen, as SNC has stated they will make it carrier compatible.
I have a lot of doubts on them being able to do it but it's still less complicated than modifying an already existing design for carrier ops. In this regard the T-50 would be the one facing an uphill battle considering it's basically a baby F-16.
But for all I know *hint hint* the T-7 could sweep the rug under everyone else's feet and win this one as well. Maybe even the FA/XX if we want to stick it unlubed to NG.
Last candidate is the Stiletto which is just a ploy to get their name out in the open, if it wins I'll tatoo a yak-130 on my forehead.