TheAermacchi M-346 Master is a family of militarytwin-enginetransonic advancedjet trainers andlight combat aircraft. Originally co-developed withYakovlev as theYak/AEM-130, the partnership was dissolved in 2000 and thenAlenia Aermacchi proceeded to separately develop the M-346 Master, while Yakovlev continued work on theYakovlev Yak-130. The first flight of the M-346 was performed in 2004. The M-346 is currently in operation with the air forces of Italy, Israel, Singapore, Greece, Qatar, Turkmenistan, and Poland. Since 2016 the manufacturer became Leonardo-Finmeccanica as Alenia Aermacchi merged into the new Finmeccanica, finally rebranded asLeonardo in 2017.[3]
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 theRussian Air Force in competition with theMikoyan MiG-AT. Aermacchi also gained the right to modify and market the aircraft for the Western market.[4] The resulting aircraft first flew in1996 and was brought toItaly the following year to replace the agingMB-339. By this point, the aircraft was being marketed as theYak/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.[5]
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.[6] By July 2000, Aermacchi held a 50% stake in the development programme, and Yakovlev and Sokol had a 25% share each.[7] 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.[8][9][10] Yakovlev would be able to sell the Yak-130 to countries such as those in theCommonwealth of Independent States, India, Slovakia and Algeria, while Aermacchi would be able to sell the M-346 to NATO countries, among others.[8]
The M-346 is a highly modified version of the aircraft that was being developed under the joint venture. It uses equipment exclusively from Western manufacturers, such as the digital flight control system being developed by a collaboration between Teleavio,Marconi Italiana andBAE Systems.[9] In July 2000, Aermacchi selected theHoneywell F124turbofan engine to power the type in place of the originally intendedLotarev DV-2S powerplant.[7][11] In 2004, a contract for the development of a full-mission simulator for the M-346 was awarded toCAE.[12] Further production contracts for CAE's full-mission simulator have since been issued.[13]
On 7 June 2003, the first M-346 prototype rolled out; ground testing commenced shortly thereafter. On 15 July 2004, the first prototype conducted itsmaiden flight.[14]
In January 2005, the Greek Ministry of Defence signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to become a partner in the programme, followed by an industrial cooperation agreement between Aermacchi andHellenic Aerospace Industry in 2006.[15] In March 2008, theChileanENAER signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Alenia Aermacchi at the FIDAE air show.[16]
M-346 prototype 002 at Le Bourget airshow, 2005
On 10 April 2008, the firstLow Rate Initial Production (LRIP-00) aircraft, produced in the final configuration (newlanding gear andair brake, more composite parts), was rolled out.[17] 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.[18]
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.[19]
On 20 June 2011, aMilitary Type Certification was granted to Alenia Aermacchi for the M-346 Master by the General Directorate for Aeronautical Armaments of theItalian Ministry of Defence inRome. 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.[20]
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.[21] During late 2017, a series of armed tests involving theAIM-9L missiles took place.[22][23] 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 theBrimstone air-to-ground missile.[21][24]
The armed variant is under development, designated M-346FA. The first pre-series aircraft has flown from Venegono airfield in July 2020.[25]
In February 2016, the newly created, consolidatedLeonardo-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 theg-force andangle 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.[26] Leonardo has offered the M-346 for Companion Training and Adversary/Red Air roles.[27][28]
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 byElbit Systems, including provisions for simulators, training and logistic support.[29]
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 ofHoneywell F124 turbofan dry engines, designed to reduce acquisition and operating costs, it is capable of transonic flight without using anafterburner; Alenia Aermacchi has claimed that the M-346's flight performance to be "second only to afterburner-equipped aircraft".[26] During the design process, the twin concepts of "design-to-cost" and "design-to-maintain" were adhered to, reducing acquisition and operational costs;[30] the per flying hour costs of the M346 are reportedly one-tenth of those of theEurofighter Typhoon.[26] Outside of the training role, the M-346 was designed from the onset to accommodate additional operational capabilities, including combat missions such asclose air support andair policing duties.[31]
The M-346 incorporates a full-authority quadruplex digitalfly-by-wire flight control system which, in combination with the optimized aerodynamic configuration of the aircraft, provides for full manoeuvrability and controllability at very high angle of attack (in excess of 30° degrees).[30] The flight control system, incorporating aHOTAS design philosophy, is equipped with adjustable angle of attack and g-force limitations; when combined with its wide performance envelope, this allows the M-346 to effectively mimic the flight performance of various fighter aircraft operated by trainee pilots or to progressively increase difficulty levels, thus raising the training's effectiveness.[26][30] A pilot activated recovery system (PARS)[27] is present which, when pressed, conducts an automatic recovery by returning the aircraft to a steady and level flight path.[31]
A digital avionics system, modelled on its counterparts on board the latest generation of military aircraft such as theSaab JAS-39 Gripen, theLockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and the Eurofighter Typhoon, is incorporated, making it suitable for all stages of advanced flight training and thus reducing the use of combat aircraft for training purposes,[30]”downloading” flight hours from Operational Conversion Unit (OCU) to Pilot Training Unit.[27] Amodular avionics architecture is employed, allowing for new equipment and systems to be incorporated and increasing the type's growth potential. The M-346'sglass cockpit is representative of the latest generation cockpit and is compatible withNight Vision Goggles; it has three colorLCD multifunctional displays, ahead-up display (also in the rear cockpit),[27] and an optionalHelmet-Mounted Display (HMD).[31][27] A voice command system is also present, which is integrated with functions such as the navigation system. The communication systems includeVHF/UHF transceivers,IFF transponder, and Mid-air Collision Avoidance System (MIDCAS),[31] and Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS).[27]
Head-on view of a M-346 on the ground, 2015
A key feature of the M-346 is the Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS). The ETTS is capable of emulating various equipment, such as radar, targeting pods, weapons, andelectronic warfare systems; additionally, the ETTS can interface with various munitions and other equipment actually being carried on board.[26] The system can act in a standalone mode, in which simulated data and scenario information, with threats and targets,[27] is loaded prior to takeoff, or in a network, during which data is received and acted upon in real time from ground monitoring stations via the aircraft'sdatalink.[30] The ETTS can generate realistic Computer Generated Forces (both friend and foe).[27] For post-mission evaluation and analysis purposes, accumulated data, such as video from the optionalHelmet Mounted Display, can be extracted and reviewed.[26] Leonardo also offer an Integrated Training System (ITS), combining the M-346 with a Ground-Based Training System (GBTS) - composed of academic training devices, simulators, mission planning and training management systems - and full logistic service[27] as part of a wider syllabus towards qualifying pilots.[30]
A M-346 of Israeli Air Force on display
The M-346, in the multirole Fighter Attack variant (M-346FA), is equipped with a multi-modefire-control radar (Grifo M-346 by Leonardo Electronics)[27] and a total of sevenhardpoints, it is capable of carrying external loads up to 3,000 kg while maintaining a high thrust-to-weight ratio; stores management data can be presented upon any of the multifunction displays in the cockpit.[31][32] Theradar 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 includesRadar Warning Receiver (RWR), Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS) andChaff andFlares 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 orAIM-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.[31] 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 viain-flight refuelling via a removable refuelling probe.[26][31]
In 2007, it was reported that theItalian Air Force intended to initially acquire a batch of 15 low rate production M-346s.[33] On 18 June 2009, Alenia Aermacchi announced they had received an order for the first six with an option for nine more.[34] In September 2015, the Italian Air Force started their first training course using the M-346 trainer.[35] 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.[36]
In February 2018, the Italian Air Force received its 18th M-346, concluding the force's acquisition program.[37] In 2019, four more M-346 were delivered to the newly formed Italian Air Force/LeonardoInternational Flight Training School (IFTS) atGalatina Air Base.[38]
In July 2010, the M-346 was selected by theRepublic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to replace theST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawks in the Advanced Jet Training (AJT) role, based atBA 120 Cazaux Air Base in France.[40][41] In a press release by theSingaporean 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.[42][43][44] The RSAF holds the distinction of being the first export customer for the type.[26]
On 16 February 2012, the M-346 was selected by theIsraeli Air Force (IAF) in an exchange deal, in which Israel will build areconnaissance satellite and AWACs systems[45] for Italy in return for the planes.[46][47] It will operate as the IAF's main training jet to replace theMcDonnell Douglas A-4H/N Skyhawk, which has served the IAF for over 40 years.[48][49] 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.[50] The Israeli Air Force announced on 2 July 2013 that in Israeli service the M-346 would be named theLavi, reusing the name given to the cancelledIAI Lavi.[51] The IAF's first M-346 was rolled out in a ceremony at Alenia Aermacchi's factory inVenegono Superiore on March 20, 2014.[52]
On 23 December 2013, it was announced that Poland had selected the M-346 to meet a requirement for an advanced jet trainer.[53] A contract for eight aircraft was signed on 27 February 2014.[54] The first two M-346s arrived atDęblin in November 2016.[55] The aircraft were initially not officially accepted due to non-compliance with contract specifications.[56] The delivery deadline was originally November 2016, but delays meant delivery and acceptance was not complete until 22 December 2017.[57]
In December 2017, Poland'sMinistry of National Defence announced it was seeking financial penalties from Leonardo of up to 100 millionzlotys (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.[58] 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.[59]
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.[60][61] 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.[62][63][needs update]
On July 12, 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.[64]
In October 2016, theArgentine Air Force also evaluated the M-346 as a potential combat fighter to replace theDassault Mirage III andMirage 5 aircraft it had retired in 2015, as well as theDouglas A-4AR aircraft that remain in service with only limited capability. Argentina is speculated to be interested in ten to twelve aircraft.[65]
On 20 February 2020, thepresident of Azerbaijan announced that the country would buy an undisclosed number of M-346s. TheAzerbaijani Air and Air Defence Force has a requirement to augment and replace its Soviet-eraMikoyan MiG-29,Sukhoi Su-25, andAero L-39 Albatros jets.[66] The number of aircraft to be purchased is between 10 and 25 (10 plus an option for 15).[67] 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.[67]
In July 2024, during the 2024 edition of theFarnborough International Airshow, Leonardo presented and offered to Brazil the new variant Block 20, as a candidate for theBrazilian Air Force's process of selection for a light attack jet to replace the olderAMX attack jet. The aircraft was evaluated by the MoD ministerJosé Múcio and the air force commanderMarcelo Kanitz Damasceno.[68] In November 2024, during the visit to Brazil by the Italian Prime MinisterGiorgia Meloni, she will meet Brazilian PresidentLuiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss the sale of 24 M-346s to the Brazilian Air Force, other six aircraft to theBrazilian Navy, and other related accords.[69]
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 andadvanced trainer for theIrish Air Corps. The commission has multiple tasks, including determining the future capability requirements for theIrish Defence Forces. Currently, the Irish Air Corps has a very limited air combat capability with eightPilatus 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 sixFouga 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.[70]
The M-346 was named the winner of a competition by theUnited Arab Emirates at theIDEX 2009 defense show inAbu Dhabi on 25 February 2009.[71] 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.[72] On 18 November 2011, the prototype, which had been on display at theDubai Airshow, crashed after departing Dubai on return to Italy.[73]
Alenia Aermacchi submitted the M-346 for theUnited States Air Force'sT-X program to replace the agingNorthrop T-38 Talon, rebranding it as theLeonardo 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.[74] 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.[75][76] On January 1, 2016, Alenia Aermacchi was absorbed intoLeonardo S.p.A. In February 2016, it was announced thatRaytheon, 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.[77]
On 25 January 2017, Raytheon announced that it had withdrawn as prime contractor and American partner in the T-X competition.[78] 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%.[79] On 8 February 2017, Leonardo confirmed that it would remain in the T-X competition alone, withLeonardo DRS, its American subsidiary, serving as prime contractor.[80] In September 2017, it was announced that the T-X program had selected the rivalBoeing T-7 Red Hawk submission instead.[81]
On the 22nd of August 2025 theItalian Air Force and theUnited 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, theInternational Flight Training School (IFTS) on the M-346.[82][83] The first course with ten USAF pilots was scheduled to start on September 8, 2025, and should be completed by June 2026, leading the students to the USAF military wings.[84]
The M-346 is being offered to theUnited States Navy Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) competition to replace the agingMcDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk byLeonardo (company) withTextron Aviation Defense being the prime contractor for the bid.[85] On July 28, 2025, Textron announced it will offer a US-made version of the Italian light jet under the designationBeechcraft M-346N.[86] 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 March 31, 2025.[87]
The Advance European Pilot Training (AEPTJ) program – unofficially calledEurotraining – 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.[88] In May 2013, Alenia Aermacchi announced that the AEPTJ held a low priority for the firm and that "...progress has been slow."[89]
M-346FT multirole variant in 2016M-346FA multirole variant in 2017
M-346
Designation for the basic type.
T-346A
Italian military designation from 2012 for the M-346.[90]
M-346LCA (Light Combat Aircraft)
Armed variant offered to Poland as a replacement for agingSu-22.[24] Designation no longer in use.[27]
M-346FT (Fighter Trainer)
Multirole variant capable of switching between training and combat operations. New features include a new tactical datalink system and different armament capability, but do not include physical changes to the hardware.[91]
M-346FA (Fighter Attack)
Multirole variant capable of air-to-air and air-to-surface combat with a 3 tonne payload spread over sevenhardpoints, advancedGrifo-M346 radar[27] radar, countermeasures and stealth features including engine intake grids and radar-absorbing coatings on the canopy and wing leading edge. It is being marketed as a light attack aircraft also suitable foraggressor and companion training purposes. The aircraft was revealed on June 18, 2017, in a static display at that year'sParis Air Show. The aircraft is being marketed for export toSouth American andEast Asian countries, and is claimed to be able to carry out operational missions at far lower costs than those of front-line fighters.[92][93][94][95]
Italy operates 42 T-346, in two different categories:
Italian Air Force – 18 designated T-346A, deliveries completed February 2018;[37] 20 on order by 2024 (15 for PAN - Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale "Frecce Tricolori" and 5 for IFTS)[106]
International Flight Training School (run by Italian Air Force and Leonardo) – 4 delivered as of May 2020.
TheQatar 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.[115]
TheAustrian Air Force ordered twelve M-346FA.[122] 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[123] 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 fromElbit Systems, Full Mission Simulators and the integration of theLink 16 and the Air-to-airIRIS-T missile.[124]
In 2021, theNigerian Air Force ordered twelve M-346FA (+ twelve options).[125] The deal was reportedly $1.2 billion for twenty-four M-346 aircraft.[126] In October 2024, it was confirmed that the order was for twenty-four aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in early 2025.[127]
The M-346 FA has been pre-selected over theKAI 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.[130]
Although Spain signed a memorandum for cooperation in December 2024 for theTAI Hürjet, Leonardo continues to support the sale of the M-346 to theSpanish Air Force.[133] 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 theKAI T-50 and theYak-130. The authors applied the Fuzzy Reference Ideal Method to rank advanced military trainer aircraft.[134]
As part of theFuerza Aérea Uruguaya modernization efforts, Uruguay has shown interest in purchasing at least six new radar-equipped aircraft to replace itsCessna A-37; according to sources within the force, the M-346 is favored over theHongdu L-15.[137][138]
On 11 May 2013, an Alenia-operated M-346 crashed near the village ofPiana Crixia, in Val Bormida, between theprovinces of Cuneo andSavona, 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.[139] The type was grounded for more than three months while the cause of the crash was investigated.[140]
On 12 July 2024, a Polish Air Force M-346 Bielik crashednear Gdynia. The pilot was killed.[141][64]
Orthographic projection of the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 MasterVideo of a M-346 in flight, 2011An M-346 at "Giornata Azzurra" 2006 at Pratica di Mare AFB, Italy
Hardpoints: Provision for a total of seven pylon stations (one× under-fuselage, four× under-wing plus two× wingtip), capable of mounting up to 3,000kilograms (6,600 lb) of external payload and up to three× 630litres (140 imp gal; 170 US gal) externaldrop tanks (only under-fuselage and two inward wing pylons are wet-plumbed)
^Sotgiu, Marco (2012).M-346: Biografia di un aereo [M-346: biography of an airplane] (in Italian) (1st ed.). Italy: UTET Cultura. pp. 80–97.ISBN8802084130.
^Sánchez-Lozano, J. M.; Naranjo Rodríguez, O. (2020). "Application of Fuzzy Reference Ideal Method (FRIM) to the military advanced training aircraft selection".Applied Soft Computing.88 106061.doi:10.1016/j.asoc.2020.106061.