- The contract brings the number of M-345 trainers ordered by Italy to 18
- The new trainer aircraft will operate alongside the Air Force’s existing T-346A fleet, which is used for advanced pilot training. Together, the two aircraft will form the most advanced training system in the world
Rome, 13 June 2019 - Leonardo has signed yesterday a contract with the Armaments and Airworthiness Department of the Italian Ministry of Defence for the supply of 13 M-345 HET (High Efficiency Trainer) aircraft, for a total value of 300 million Euros. This follows an initial contract for five aircraft bringing to 18 the number of M-345 trainers ordered by Italy. The contract includes ground-based training systems and a five year logistics support package.
Alessandro Profumo, CEO of Leonardo said: "This contract for the M-345 is the result of the constructive dialogue between industry and the Italian Ministry of Defence, leading to a thorough understanding of their needs and to jointly identify the best technological solution. In line with our Industrial Plan we are devoting significant effort to the development of our training business, both in terms of platforms, ground capabilities and services. Thanks to our fruitful partnership with the Italian Ministry of Defence and the progressive introduction of the M-345, Italy will see the establishment of an advanced international training academy for military pilots.”
Lucio Valerio Cioffi, Managing Director of Leonardo Aircraft Division, said: “With its high performance and advanced integrated training system, the M-345 will significantly improve the effectiveness of the Air Force’s training, improve efficiency and reduce operating costs. The new aircraft, the first of which is expected to be delivered in 2020, will join the Air Force’s fleet of 18 twin-engine Aermacchi M-346s based at the Italian Air Force’s Galatina base near Lecce in the Southern Italy, which have already been delivered to provide the advanced phase of pilot training.”
The Italian Air Force has identified a requirement for around 45 M-345 aircraft (designated the T-345A) to progressively replace its fleet of 137 MB-339s, that have been in service since 1982, and to become the new platform of Italy’s National Aerobatic Team (Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale (PAN).
The M-345 has already raised the interest of many air forces worldwide. The first production aircraft successfully performed its maiden flight on December 21, 2018 delivering excellent performance.