Israel gets final M-346

Leonardo  has delivered the last of the 30 Aermacchi M-346 military twin-engine transonic trainer aircraft to Israel, the company announced on 9 June. The first aircraft under the order was delivered in 2014.

Israel signed a contract with Leonardo in 2012 for the supply of 30 Aermacchi M-346 aircraft, training, simulators, logistics and maintenance. The M-346s are to replace Israel's Douglas A-4 Skyhawk aircraft.

Mauro Moretti, chief executive officer and general manager, Leonardo, said: ‘The Aermacchi M-346 has established itself in all the major international competitions, and already trains pilots of the Italian, Israeli and Singapore air forces, considered amongst the most demanding in the world. Our trainer will now make its debut in Poland and is also a candidate for the US Air Force competition for 350 aircraft.’

Brig Gen Shmuel Tzuker, Israeli Ministry of Defence, said: ‘I would like to thank Leonardo-Finmeccanica and their employees for the excellent industrial performance and for the support they have given to the Israeli Air Force. Israeli pilots are great advocates of the M-346 because the aircraft exceeds our highest expectations.’