ROMA (ITALPRESS) – Leonardo has signed with the Aeronautics and Aircraft Management, a contract for the supply of 12 multi-role M-346 aircraft intended for the Austrian Air Force (Luftstreitkräfte) and aimed at satisfying the need to defend the national air space and the territory of the country, as well as the requirement for training of military pilots. The contract, read in a note, includes the provision of aircraft in light fighter configuration in the new standard M-346 F Block 20 equipped with cockpit with Large Area Display (LAD), active electronic scanning radar, data-link Link 16, defense systems equipped with electronic countermeasures and new weapon systems. The supply also includes a full suite of simulation systems, initial equipment of spare parts and ground equipment and a logistic/maintenance support for six years from the delivery of the first aircraft planned in 2028.
This new step follows two contracts already signed in 2022 and 2023 for the supply to the Austrian Ministry of Defence of 36 (18 + 18) AW169M LUH helicopters (Light Utility Helicopter), as well as the choice, by the Austrian government, to train its fighter pilots at the IFTS (International Flight Training School) of Decimomannu, activities that allowed the Austrian Air Force characteristics “The launch of the M-346 Austria program is a reason for great pride, aware of the value that the synergy between national institutions and industry can create in order to meet the emerging requirements of friends countries, as already happened on previous occasions – said Stefano Bortoli, Managing Director of the Leonardo Aeronautic Division -. We are therefore pleased to continue to do our part, with our aeronautical solutions enabled by significant technological enhancement. At the same time, this program confirms the international competitiveness of the M-346 system, able to respond to the needs of operational versatility dictated by modern scenarios that require responsiveness and adaptation, increasing levels of digitization, efficiency in the management of new defence assets, also in the name of complementarity and interoperability, adequate training for the dedicated staff.”.
In Austria the M-346 F Block20 will replace the Saab 105, withdrawn from service in 2020, with the dual role of hunting for operations with reduced intensity and advanced trainer. Leonardo’s platform is able to offer, at the same time, an integrated and complete advanced flight training system that includes a GBTS system (Ground Based Training System), simulated scenarios and elements combined with real flights according to a Live, Virtual and Constructive logic (LVC) and a light-combat capacity for air and air-surface missions enabled by advanced mission systems, equipment and sensors, and also including flight supply. The M-346 is the core of a modern advanced flight training system but at the same time proven and constantly evolving. Its success is a success story that, to date, boasts over 150 thousand hours flew and almost 160 specimens sold, allowing different Air Forces in Europe and the world to train drivers destined to fly on high-performance fighters like Eurofighter, F-35 and the ‘combat air system’ next generation.
In fact, there are 20 countries that already train their drivers on M-346 or who have chosen this aircraft, in the Fighter version, as a multi-role light fighter. Thanks to its high performance and maneuverability, the M-346 was chosen by the Air Force as the future airplane of the National Acrobatic Pattuglia “Frecce Tricolori”.
– photo press office Leonardo –
(ITALPRESS).
