Italian Air Force To Add 3 More Jet

The Italian Air Force will acquire three M-346 jet trainers to add to the six it already purchased, manufacturer Alenia Aermacchi said Monday.

A €120 million 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 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.

Singapore, Israel and Poland have also purchased M-346 trainers, with 59 aircraft ordered to date.

 Italian Air Force To Add 3 More Jet