Italy orders more M-345s
Leonardo will supply a further 13 M-345 High Efficiency Trainer aircraft to the Italian Air Force under a contract announced on 13 June.
The order, valued at €300 million, will bring the number of M-345s on order for Italy to 18 aircraft. The contract includes ground-based training systems and a five-year logistics support package.
The new trainer aircraft will operate alongside the air force’s existing T-346A fleet, which is used for advanced pilot training.
The Italian Air Force has a requirement for around 45 M-345 aircraft, designated the T-345A in its service. The aircraft will progressively replace its fleet of 137 MB-339s that have been in service since 1982, and become the new platform of Italy’s National Aerobatic Team.
The first M-345 is expected to be delivered in 2020.
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