M-345 officially enters service as trainer for Italian Air Force
The Italian Air Force has received four M-345s. (Photo: Leonardo)
The Leonardo M-345 High-Efficiency Trainer (HET) basic/advanced trainer is similar to the M-346, which is the second part of the Italian Air Force’s training system, but is a substantially smaller and less powerful aircraft.
The Leonardo M-345 basic/advanced trainer aircraft has been introduced into the Italian Air Force’s (IAF’s) fleet of training aircraft, replacing older MB-339 and operating alongside the more advanced M-346 Lead In Fighter Trainer aircraft.
Italy has ordered 18 of the aircraft, designated T-345A in Italian service, and has received four. The design builds on SIAI-Marchetti SF-260, the Aermacchi MB-326, and the Aermacchi MB-339 and it is now officially operational with the 61st Wing at Galatina (LE).
The total requirement for M-345 is expected to be for around 45 aircraft to progressively replace the 137 in-service MB-339s, which entered service in
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