The Italian air force is close to submitting to pressure from the industry ministry and manufacturer Aermacchi to agree to the acquisition of a second batch of MB339CD advanced trainers.
An estimated 90 first-generation MB339As are operated by the air force alongside 14 MB339CDs, used as lead-in fighter trainers. Acquisition of new trainers has low priority, but the air force is considering a fleet consisting of 60% upgraded MB339As and 40% MB339CDs following overtures from Aermacchi and the ministry.
A second batch of around 15 MB339CDs would be bought, using industry ministry funding. Unlike the first purchase, a spares and support package will be included in the price.
To ease the financial burden further, the air force is keen to trade in older MB339As, but the proposal has not met much enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, the air force is spending L110 billion ($55.7 million) to upgrade MB339As - equipping the best airframes with new avionics and systems, while a structural refurbishment will extend operational life by 10 years.
Source: Flight International
