Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master

Background In 1992, Aermacchi signed a cooperation agreement with Yakovlev to provide financial and technical support for the new trainer that the firm had been developing since 1991 for the Russian Air Force in competition with the Mikoyan MiG-AT. Aermacchi also gained the right to modify and market the aircraft for the Western market. The resulting aircraft first flew in 1996 and was brought to Italy the following year to replace the aging MB-339. By this point, the aircraft was being marketed as the Yak/AEM-130. In February 1996, Russia provided initial funding for the Yak/AEM-130 and pledged to purchase up to 200 aircraft for the Russian Air Force. in 1999 In October 1998, it was reported that the venture was increasingly becoming an Italian-led effort due to a lack of financial support on the part of Russia. By July 2000, Aermacchi held a 50% stake in the development programme, and Yakovlev and Sokol had a 25% share each. In mid-2000, it was announced that differences in priorities between the two firms, and a lack of financial backing from the programme's Russian participants, had brought about an end to the partnership and that each firm would pursue development of the aircraft independently; Yakovlev received US$77 million in the form of a partial write-off of the USSR/Russian debt towards Italy, and for the legal right to use some of the technical documents of the aircraft. Yakovlev would be able to sell the Yak-130 to countries such as those in the Commonwealth of Independent States, India, Slovakia and Algeria, while Aermacchi would be able to sell the M-346 to NATO countries, among others. In 2004, a contract for the development of a full-mission simulator for the M-346 was awarded to CAE. Further production contracts for CAE's full-mission simulator have since been issued. Into flight On 7 June 2003, the first M-346 prototype rolled out; ground testing commenced shortly thereafter. On 15 July 2004, the first prototype conducted its maiden flight. In March 2008, the Chilean ENAER signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Alenia Aermacchi at the FIDAE air show. On 10 April 2008, the first Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP-00) aircraft, produced in the final configuration (new landing gear and air brake, more composite parts), was rolled out. On 18 December 2008, Aermacchi announced that the M-346 had attained a maximum speed of Mach 1.15 (1,255 km/h, 678 knots, 780 mph), claiming the occasion to be the first in which an all-Italian built aircraft had broken the sound barrier in 50 years. In May 2008, Boeing signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on the marketing, sales, training and support of two Aermacchi trainer aircraft, the M-346 and the M-311. On 20 June 2011, a Military Type Certification was granted to Alenia Aermacchi for the M-346 Master by the General Directorate for Aeronautical Armaments of the Italian Ministry of Defence in Rome. Throughout the certification process, the M-346 development aircraft made 180 test flights, totalling 200 flights across the course of the previous five months, during which over 3,300 test points were completed. Further development In the advanced jet trainer role, the original M-346 model is unarmed; however, in November 2015, it was reported that Alenia Aermacchi was close to finalising a combat-capable dual-role variant of the aircraft. During late 2017, a series of armed tests involving the AIM-9L missiles took place. In 2015, an armed variant, designated as the M-346 LCA (Light Combat Aircraft), was offered to Poland; this reportedly included a capability of operating the Brimstone air-to-ground missile. In February 2016, the newly created, consolidated Leonardo-Finmeccanica company promoted the Aermacchi M346 in two new roles: companion training and dissimilar air combat training. In order to better replicate the flight performance and behavior of various enemy aircraft, both the g-force and angle of attack can be independently selected in the flight control system; reportedly, existing customers have stated the type to be well suited to the aggressor role. Leonardo has offered the M-346 for Companion Training and Adversary/Red Air roles. In January 2021, Israeli and Greece ministers of defence announced plans to establish a wide-ranging $1.68 billion security agreement that include the procurement of ten M-346 aircraft and the establishment and operation of a flight school for the Hellenic Air Force by Elbit Systems, including provisions for simulators, training and logistic support. ==Design==

The M-346 is designed for the main role of lead-in fighter trainer, in which aircraft's performance and capabilities are used to deliver pilot training for the latest generation of combat fighter aircraft. Powered by a pair of Honeywell F124 turbofan dry engines, designed to reduce acquisition and operating costs, it is capable of transonic flight without using an afterburner; Alenia Aermacchi has claimed that the M-346's flight performance to be "second only to afterburner-equipped aircraft". the per flying hour costs of the M346 are reportedly one-tenth of those of the Eurofighter Typhoon. The radar cross-section of the M346 in a standard configuration is reportedly 20 square meters; this can be reduced to a single square meter by installing a low-observability kit which has been developed for the type. Other self-protection systems that can be fitted include a Defensive-Aids Support System (DASS) which includes Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) and Chaff and Flares Dispensers (C&FD). The high-end, net-centric communication suite of the M-346FA includes secure comms and Tactical Datalink, both NATO and non-NATO. The combat capable M-346FA can perform ground attack, homeland defence and air policing missions and reconnaissance. Various munitions and stores can be carried, including IRIS-T or AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, various air-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, free-fall and laser-guided bombs and rockets, a 12.7 mm gun pod, reconnaissance and targeting pods, and electronic warfare pods; weapon aiming is performed using the Helmet Mounted Display and the multifunction displays. All main systems are duplicated, and the flight system reconfigurable, to increase survivability and functionality in the event of battle damage being sustained. The aircraft has a maximum range of 1,375 nautical miles when outfitted with a maximum of three external fuel tanks, this can be extended via in-flight refuelling via a removable refuelling probe. ==Operational history==

Italian Air Force In 2007, it was reported that the Italian Air Force intended to initially acquire a batch of 15 low rate production M-346s. On 18 June 2009, Alenia Aermacchi announced they had received an order for the first six with an option for nine more. In September 2015, the Italian Air Force started their first training course using the M-346 trainer. In March 2016, Finmeccanica signed a contract worth over 300 million Euros with the Italian Ministry of Defence for nine M-346, bringing the number of aircraft ordered by Italy to 18. In February 2018, the Italian Air Force received its 18th M-346, concluding the force's acquisition program. In 2019, four more M-346 were delivered to the newly formed Italian Air Force/Leonardo International Flight Training School (IFTS) at Galatina Air Base. On 12 September 2024, the Italian Air Force's aerobatic team Frecce Tricolori unveiled the M-346 as its new aircraft to replace the Aermacchi MB-339-A/PAN, alongside a new livery designed by Pininfarina. Singapore Air Force In July 2010, the M-346 was selected by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to replace the ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawks in the Advanced Jet Training (AJT) role, based at BA 120 Cazaux Air Base in France. In a press release by the Singaporean Ministry of Defence on 28 September 2010, ST Aerospace was awarded the contract to acquire twelve M-346 and a ground-based training system on behalf of RSAF. As stipulated in the contract, ST Aerospace acts as the main contractor in the maintenance of the aircraft after delivery by Alenia Aermacchi while Boeing supplies the training system. The RSAF holds the distinction of being the first export customer for the type. for Italy in return for the planes. It will operate as the IAF's main training jet to replace the McDonnell Douglas A-4H/N Skyhawk, which has served the IAF for over 40 years. On 19 July 2012, a contract was signed between Alenia Aermacchi and the Israeli Ministry of Defence to supply 30 M-346s, with the first delivery expected in the middle of 2014. The Israeli Air Force announced on 2 July 2013 that in Israeli service the M-346 would be named the Lavi, reusing the name given to the cancelled IAI Lavi. The IAF's first M-346 was rolled out in a ceremony at Alenia Aermacchi's factory in Venegono Superiore on March 20, 2014. Polish Air Force On 23 December 2013, it was announced that Poland had selected the M-346 to meet a requirement for an advanced jet trainer. A contract for eight aircraft was signed on 27 February 2014. The first two M-346s arrived at Dęblin in November 2016. The aircraft were initially not officially accepted due to non-compliance with contract specifications. The delivery deadline was originally November 2016, but delays meant delivery and acceptance was not complete until 22 December 2017. In December 2017, Poland's Ministry of National Defence announced it was seeking financial penalties from Leonardo of up to 100 million zlotys (U.S. $28 million) over the delays. Additionally, the ministry had complained that the M-346 was not fully capable of simulating certain weapon systems for training purposes. On 19 November 2018, Leonardo's Aircraft Division together with Elbit Systems completed delivery of M-346 Full Mission Simulators and Flight Training Devices to the Polish Air Force. This was initially scheduled to be completed by November 2016. In March 2018, Poland signed for an additional four M-346s and support package, plus options for a further four aircraft, and a support package. In December 2018, Poland signed for the additional four aircraft, as well as upgrades to the existing fleet of eight. Deliveries and upgrade work for the total of 16 M-346 is expected to run into 2022. On 12 July 2024, a Polish Air Force M-346 Demo Team jet crashed during its flying display near Gdynia. Pilot Maj. Robert “Killer” Jeł lost his life in the crash. Potential operators Argentina In October 2016, the Argentine Air Force also evaluated the M-346 as a potential combat fighter to replace the Dassault Mirage III and Mirage 5 aircraft it had retired in 2015, as well as the Douglas A-4AR aircraft that remain in service with only limited capability. Argentina was speculated to be interested in ten to twelve aircraft. Austria By November 2025, Austria finalized the purchase of twelve Leonardo M-346-FA jets, to replace the retired Saab 105 and close a long-standing gap in its air defense and pilot training capabilities, with deployment planned in Linz-Hörsching from 2028. The package spans about €1.5 billion , including aircraft, weapons, simulators, training, and maintenance. It enables the full implementation of the Bundesheer’s two-fleet strategy alongside the Eurofighter, and aims to restore domestic pilot training, which was previously outsourced abroad. Azerbaijan On 20 February 2020, the president of Azerbaijan announced that the country would buy an undisclosed number of M-346s. The Azerbaijani Air and Air Defence Force has a requirement to augment and replace its Soviet-era Mikoyan MiG-29, Sukhoi Su-25, and Aero L-39 Albatros jets. The number of aircraft to be purchased is between 10 and 25 (10 plus an option for 15). Azerbaijani military leaders also considered the Yak-130 for the trainer requirement but selected the M-346 despite its higher price because of its lighter weight and higher maneuverability and problems with manufacturing of the engines for Yak-130. In November 2024, during the visit to Brazil by the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, she will meet Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss the sale of 24 M-346s to the Brazilian Air Force, another six aircraft to the Brazilian Navy and other related accords. Colombia The M-346 FA has been pre-selected over the KAI FA-50 Golden Eagle, but it is unclear if the purchase will be made as the Colombian Air Force is also looking to purchase an air superiority capable fighter. Eurotraining The Advance European Pilot Training (AEPTJ) program – unofficially called Eurotraining – a consortium of twelve European nations to give advance & lead-in fighter training with a common core course and training provided by a common aircraft – has contacted Alenia Aermacchi through the European Defence agency in 2010, for further information on the M-346. In May 2013, Alenia Aermacchi announced that the AEPTJ held a low priority for the firm and that "...progress has been slow." Indonesia In 2010, Indonesia was considering to replace its BAE Hawk Mk 53 trainer and OV-10 Bronco attack aircraft with a new type, and the M-346 was among the potential candidates. Indonesian Air Force chose the T-50 Golden Eagle for its trainer and light attack program in May 2011. In July 2025, Indonesian Air Force delegation visited the Leonardo facility in Milan and, among other agenda, inspected the M-346FA production line. The Air Force stated that the aircraft "...serves as a reference for strengthening fighter pilot education programs and developing operational readiness". The Ministry of Defense of Indonesia stated in December 2025 that discussion regarding the M-346FA is in early stages of consideration. The Ministry of Defense signed a letter of intent for M-346F Block 20 in February 2026. One report said the deal involves the sale of 24 M-346FIs, with an option for another 12. Ireland In July 2021, Leonardo made a submission to the Irish Commission on the Defence Forces presenting the M-346FA as a light multi-role fighter and advanced trainer for the Irish Air Corps. The commission has multiple tasks, including determining the future capability requirements for the Irish Defence Forces. Currently, the Irish Air Corps has a very limited air combat capability with eight Pilatus PC-9M training/light attack aircraft. The M-346FA could be a cheaper alternative to more expensive fighters and would be Ireland's first combat jet aircraft since the retirement of the six Fouga CM.170 Magister aircraft in 1999. In comparison to Ireland's current air combat capability, the M-346FA would be considered by many to be a step up, introducing features such as air-to-air missiles and onboard radar. Japan The M-346 Block 20 is speculated to be a contender to replace the aging Kawasaki T-4. Some Japanese fighter pilots began flying the M-346 with the International Flight Training School. Spain Possible replacement of Spanish Northrop F-5BMs. Although Spain signed a memorandum for cooperation in December 2024 for the TAI Hürjet, Leonardo continues to support the sale of the M-346 to the Spanish Air Force. In fact, a study by the University Center for Defense (CUD) in San Javier, Murcia, concluded in 2020 that this aircraft is the best option, after comparing it against other market options like the KAI T-50 and the Yak-130. The authors applied the Fuzzy Reference Ideal Method to rank advanced military trainer aircraft. However in 2025, it was announced that Spain had chosen to acquire the TAI Hürjet. Tunisia On 31 July 2025 a delegation from Leonardo, offered the M-346 as a replacement for the Aero L-59 Super Albatros. United Arab Emirates The M-346 was named the winner of a competition by the United Arab Emirates at the IDEX 2009 defense show in Abu Dhabi on 25 February 2009. The official said the order involved delivery of 48 aircraft to be used for pilot training and light attack duties. A final request for proposals in 2010 had set the requirement at 20 trainers, 20 aircraft for combat duties, and the remainder would go toward the creation of an aerobatic team. However, by January 2010, negotiations to sign a contract had reportedly stalled over specifications. On 18 November 2011, the prototype, which had been on display at the Dubai Airshow, crashed after departing Dubai on return to Italy. United States Air Force Alenia Aermacchi submitted the M-346 for the United States Air Force's T-X program to replace the aging Northrop T-38 Talon, rebranding it as the Leonardo DRS T-100 Integrated Training System. Alenia originally intended to be the prime contractor, anticipating moving the final assembly location from Italy to the United States if the bid succeeded. About 350 aircraft were expected to be ordered, with further purchases leading to over 1,000 aircraft being purchased overall. In January 2013, Alenia Aermacchi signed a letter of intent with General Dynamics C4 Systems, who intended to serve as the prime contractor for the T-X bid; however, General Dynamics announced their withdrawal in March 2015. On 1 January 2016, Alenia Aermacchi was absorbed into Leonardo S.p.A. In February 2016, it was announced that Raytheon, which would serve as the prime contractor, had teamed up with Leonardo to offer an advanced variant of the M-346 for the T-X program called the T-100. On 25 January 2017, Raytheon announced that it had withdrawn as prime contractor and American partner in the T-X competition. One of the sticking points had been price per unit: at the time the M-346 had a flyaway cost of $25 million, but Raytheon wanted Leonardo to reduce that by 30%. On 8 February 2017, Leonardo confirmed that it would remain in the T-X competition alone, with Leonardo DRS, its American subsidiary, serving as prime contractor. In September 2017, it was announced that the T-X program had selected the rival Boeing T-7 Red Hawk submission instead. On the 22nd of August 2025 the Italian Air Force and the United States Air Force signed the “Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for Flight Training of the USAF Military Personnel in Italy” which will see U.S. student pilots, for the first time in history, be trained in a foreign NATO pilot school, the International Flight Training School (IFTS) on the M-346. The first course with ten USAF pilots was scheduled to start on 8 September 2025, and should be completed by June 2026, leading the students to the USAF military wings. United States Navy The M-346 is being offered to the United States Navy Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) competition to replace the aging McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk by Leonardo (company) with Textron Aviation Defense being the prime contractor for the bid. On 28 July 2025, Textron announced it will offer a US-made version of the Italian light jet under the designation Beechcraft M-346N. The offer has been described to have been adapted to the Navy's revised requirements, conducting only Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) approaches to wave off, thereby obviating the need for a tailhook, catapult launch bar, or extensive structural modifications for arrested carrier operations. This focus on FCLP-only training aligns with the fifth USN Request for Information (RFI) released on 31 March 2025. Uruguay As part of the Fuerza Aérea Uruguaya modernization efforts, Uruguay has shown interest in purchasing at least six new radar-equipped aircraft to replace its Cessna A-37; according to sources within the force, the M-346 is favored over the Hongdu L-15. ==Variants ==

; M-346 : Designation for the basic type. ; T-346A : Italian military designation from 2012 for the M-346. ; M-346LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) : Armed variant offered to Poland as a replacement for aging Su-22. Designation no longer in use. ; M-346FA (Fighter Attack) : Multirole variant capable of air-to-air and air-to-surface combat with a 3 tonne payload spread over seven hardpoints, advanced Grifo-M346 radar ; T-100 : Designation used for the United States Air Force's T-X program. ; M-346FGA (Fighter Ground Attack) : Designation of multirole variant used for the Nigerian Air Force. == Operators ==

Current operators Training aircraft ; (10 in service) : The Hellenic Air Force has ten M-346 Block 5+ "Silver Hawks". The first two delivered in May 2023, all delivered by September 2025. ; (30) : The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has 30 trainers in operation, locally designated M-346i "Lavi". Ordered in 2012, delivered from 2014. : The deal was made with common interest, Italy ordered three Israeli Gulfstream E-550A CAEW AEW&C aircraft and reconnaissance satellites being built by Israel Aerospace Industries. :** 3 T-346A ordered in December 2014 :** 9 T-346A ordered in March 2016, all delivered by February 2018 :*** 5 T-346A for the training :*** 15 T-346 PAN ordered in September 2024 for the Frecce Tricolori :* International Flight Training School (run by Italian Air Force and Leonardo) :** 4 T-346A belonging to Leonardo delivered as of May 2020 ; (16 delivered, 1 crashed) : The Polish Air Force received 16 aircraft, designated M-346 "Bielik" (operated at 41st Training Air Base in Dęblin) :* Eight ordered in 2014 with an option for four aircraft, delivered between November 2016 and October 2017 :* Four contracted in March 2018 with an option for four aircraft, delivered between October and November 2020 : Of the 16 delivered, 1 crashed in 2024. ; (6) : The Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) operates six M-346 trainers as part of an agreement in 2010 with Leonardo and the Italian Air Force to be used at the International Flight Training School for Phase 4 training for Qatari pilots. :* Three delivered as of January 2022 :* All delivered as of 2024 ; (12) : The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has twelve trainers in service, based in Cazaux Air Base, France (Advanced Jet Trainer Programme) The order was made in September 2010 and the delivery in 2013-2014. ; (6) : The Turkmen Air Force ordered four M-346 FA and two M-346DR/FT. Orders ; (12 on order, 12 on option) : The Austrian Air Force ordered twelve M-346FA. Deliveries will be in two batches of six aircraft and, in addition, there are options for two further batches of six aircraft each. In the ex ante notice by the Italian Ministry of Defense it is specified that the order will include armaments such as the 20mm Nexter gun pod, LAU32 rocket launchers, active self-protection SPEAR AECM EW pods from Elbit Systems, Full Mission Simulators and the integration of the Link 16 and the Air-to-air IRIS-T missile. ; (24 on order) : In 2021, the Nigerian Air Force ordered twelve M-346FA (+ twelve options). The deal was reportedly $1.2 billion for twenty-four M-346 aircraft. In October 2024, it was confirmed that the order was for twenty-four aircraft, deliveries were expected to begin in early 2025. == Accidents and incidents ==

• On 11 May 2013, an Alenia-operated M-346 crashed near the village of Piana Crixia, in Val Bormida, between the provinces of Cuneo and Savona, Italy, during a test flight. The pilot was able to eject successfully and survived the crash, but received serious injuries after jumping from the tree where his parachute had been entangled. The type was grounded for more than three months while the cause of the crash was investigated. • On 12 July 2024, a Polish Air Force M-346 Bielik crashed near Gdynia. The pilot was killed. ==Specifications (M-346)==