Leonardo secures launch order for six M-346FA light fighters

Leonardo M-346FA (Fighter Attack).

According to FlightGlobal, Leonardo has secured a launch order for six M-346FA light fighters from a major "international customer".

The news was shared by the CEO of Leonardo SpA, Alessandro Profumo, during the presentation of the first-half year results on July 30. He said the agreement was signed in the last month. 

The FA (Fighter Attack)is a new variant of the advanced Aermacchi M-346 twin-engine trainer. It is an evolution of the dual role FT (Fighter Trainer) version, designed to meet Air Forces' growing and diversified operational requirements.

The FA is designed to operate in the modern battlefield, as it offers Air Forces the greatest effectiveness with all the M-346's AJT (Advanced Jet Trainer) features, including the advanced and pre-operational training capabilities of the basic version.

Leonardo recently stated that the FA variant will receive certification from the Italy's Armaereo military approvals agency at the end of 2020 and the aircraft will enter service in 2021.

Profumo also said that the company will announce the first international customer for the new M-345 trainer jet by the end of the year.

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Written by Matteo Sanzani

Image: Leonardo