Leonardo M-346

The Italian Air Force has been working to acquire a well-rounded set of assets that will enable it to operate effectively alongside allies in both Europe and Asia, and has funded the purchase of an 25 additional F-35s, bringing Italy’s total planned fleet to 115.

Leonardo has established a new aeronautics division, consolidating the company’s fixed-wing crewed aircraft, aerostructures and UAS work under one roof.

The decision to avoid carrier-representative landings means less engineering and faster development.

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A new cockpit layout planned for the upgraded Block 20 version of the M-346 advanced jet trainer has been unveiled by Leonardo.

A monthslong drama is playing out mostly behind the scenes over the future of South America's largest active fighter deal.

According to data from Aviation Week Intelligence Network’s Fleet Discovery Military tool, combined open requirements for training aircraft of all mission types total an eye-opening 1,051 aircraft.

Our roundup of the main aerospace and defense stories making the news this week.

After being passed over by Spain, Leonardo nets an Austrian purchase of 12 M-346 trainers.

Nigeria’s Air Force will receive 12 ex-French Air Force Alpha Jet trainers as part of its growth in capacity to deal with Islamic extremism.

A growing reputation from global air forces is putting Italy’s International Flight Training School on the map.

The purchase forms part of the third phase of the country’s F-35 procurement program.

The Italian Air Force plans to use Leonardo’s M-346 twin-engine advanced jet trainer as the future mount for its aerobatic display team.

Austria is considering a joint procurement with Italy of Leonardo M-346 trainers to replace the Saab 105 aircraft it retired in 2020.

Leonardo is upgrading its M-346 advanced trainer with new cockpit avionics to ensure it is ready to train pilots for the newest combat aircraft.

Maj. Robert Jeł died when the aircraft failed to pull out of an aerobatic maneuver during a rehearsal ahead of the planned Naval Aviation Day on July 13.

Austria is seeking a replacement for the Saab 105 jet trainer, with the Boeing-Saab T-7, Leonardo M-346FA and Aero Vodochody L-39N in the running.

The service released another request for information for the Undergraduate Jet Training System on June 26.

Canada's procurement agency plans to fast-track its new fighter training program, awarding a contract within three years and introducing the jet by 2030.

Spain’s on-again, off-again efforts to pick a replacement platform for the F-5 lead-in trainer aircraft are again underway.

The Nigerian Air Force says it is expecting its first batch of M-346 light attack aircraft before year’s end.

Facing a reduction to its expected budget next year, the military cuts back on near-term aircraft procurement.

Hanwha Systems has unveiled a new active electronically scanned array radar designed for light combat aircraft, uncrewed combat aerial systems and helicopters.

British Eurofighter Typhoons and Norwegian Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighters have performed their first landings and takeoffs from road runways.

Airbus and Leonardo are teaming up to offer pilot training using Leonardo’s M-346 jet trainer.