The United Arab Emirates would have been the first customer for a dual-role M-346, based on the tender Alenia Aermacchi won in 2009 for a total of 48 aircraft for training, combat and aerobatic duties, but subsequent negotiations for contract award were postponed indefinitely.

"We are still confident to settle down a deal for M-346 in the Emirates," said Giuseppe Giordo, Alenia Aeronautica CEO. The M-346 is also attracting interest from Kuwait, where the aircraft conducted high-temperature trials in July, and potentially from Eurofighter customer Saudi Arabia.

Source: Flight Daily News