Leonardo M-346

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

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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.

Nigeria’s government has provided further confirmation that it has ordered Leonardo M-346 advanced jet trainers and AH-1Z light attack helicopters.

Greece’s new International Pilot Training Center has received its first M-346 jet trainers from Leonardo.

The purchase aligns with efforts to strengthen the Nigerian Armed Forces to help tackle the threats posed by Islamic insurgents.

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

NATO has added three more European flight training schools to its Flight Training Europe project.

Greece is turning to Israel’s Elbit to provide the country with a new fast jet pilot training system in a deal potentially worth $1.68 billion.

Air Combat Command has dropped a plan to award a sole-source contract to Hillwood Aviation to supply Korea Aerospace Industries/Lockheed Martin T-50s for a five-year demonstration program, opting for a competition instead.