ROME — The Italian Air Force is to will acquire three M-346 jet trainers to add to the six it has already purchased, manufacturer Alenia Aermacchi said Monday.
A €120 million euro deal signed Monday by the firm and Italy's defense procurement office will cover the three aircraft, a ground based training system and logistical support.
The Italian Air Force became the launch customer for the jet in 2009 when it bought six aircraft in a €220 million euro deal, including ground-based training and logistics. Italy has a long-term ambition to buy 15 aircraft.
The T-346A aircraft — as it has been named by the Italian Air Force — are based at Italy's pilot training school at Lecce in southern Italy.
The M-346 has also been purchased by Singapore, Israel and Poland have also purchased M-346 trainers, with 59 aircraft ordered to date.
Tom Kington is the Italy correspondent for Defense News.
