M-346FA (image credit: Alessandro Maggia via Leonardo) Nigeria officially confirms the acquisition of 24 M-346FA jets. Nigeria’s interest in the Leonardo M-346FA (Fighter Attack) is not a secret: while never officially confirmed, the news that the Sub Saharan African nation was to become the new customer of the “light combat” version of the M-346 advanced …
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Deep Dive Into The International Flight Training School, ‘World’s Leading 5th Gen. Training System’
T-346B with IFTS markings takes off for a training mission. (All images: The Aviationist/Stefano D’Urso, unless otherwise stated) We have recently talked to the Chiefs of Staff of the ITAF, RAF, JASDF and RCAF and here’s why the Italian training system, based on the M-346 and already chosen by nine air forces for the training …
First M-346 Trainers Delivered To Greece
The first Greek M-346s about to take off from Italy (All images: Oscar Bernardi) The first two advanced jet trainers arrived at Kalamata Air Base, where they will gradually replace the obsolete T-2 Buckeye. The first two Leonardo M-346B Master Advanced Jet Trainers of the Hellenic Air Force have been delivered to Kalamata Air Base …
BAE Systems And Leonardo Join Forces For New Self-Protection System
Artistic rendering of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter jamming an infrared-guided missile with a DIRCM system. (Image: BAE Systems) The new defensive system will combine BAE Systems’ Common Missile Warning System and Leonardo’s Miysis DIRCM in a readily exportable package. BAE Systems and Leonardo received the approval from the United States government to proceed with the …
First M-346 Trainer Jet For Greece Flies With HAF Markings
The first M-346 with Greek markings returning from a test flight. (Photo: Tiziano Capenti / @aplace2land) The aircraft will be assigned to the new international training center that will be established in Kalamata. The first Leonardo M-346 Master advanced jet trainer for Greece flew for the first time with full Hellenic Air Force markings on …
Prototype Of AW249 Attack Helicopter In Combat Livery Flies For The First time
The prototype of the AW249 during its first flight on Mar. 19, 2023. (Reader’s submission) Another AW249 NEES has flown. This one sports the standard olive drab paint scheme used by the Italian Army helicopters. A new Leonardo AW249 NEES (Nuovo Elicottero da Esplorazione e Scorta / New Exploration and Escort Helicopter), has carried out its …
Italy To Upgrade Its C-27J Spartan Tactical Airlifters
An Italian Air Force C-27J at Pisa airport. (Image credit: The Aviationist/Giovanni Maduli) The aircraft will receive an extensive upgrade to the avionic suite, onboard systems and self-protection suite. Leonardo and Armaereo, the Italian Defence Ministry’s Air Force Armament and Airworthiness Directorate, have signed a contract to begin the development activities for the upgrade of …
Boeing Begins Production Of MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopter
An MH-139A Grey Wolf lifts off for a mission Aug. 17, 2022, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The Grey Wolf sortie was the first flight since the Air Force took over ownership of the aircraft Aug. 12. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.) The U.S. Air Force awarded a contract for the Low-Rate Initial …
Guardia di Finanza’s New Air-Naval Operations Simulation Centre Opens in Italy
Some images of the ceremony for the opening of the new Air-Naval Operations Simulation Centre of the Guardia di Finanza (Image credit: Giovanni Maduli and Oscar Bernardi) The first and one-of-a-kind training centre in Europe has been opened at Pratica di Mare Air Base. On Feb. 2, 2023, Guardia di Finanza (GdF – Italian Customs …
Leonardo Delivers AW169M In New Skid Undercarriage Configuration
Main image: the new AW169M of the Guardia di Finanza (Image credit: Oscar Bernardi). In the boxes, the AW169 for Austria Photo: Daniel Trippolt / Bundesheer); the GdF AW169M in flight (Leonardo) and a close up view (Oscar Bernardi) The Austrian military and the Italian Guardia di Finanza are the first operators of the newest …