Poland has exercised an option worth more than €115 million ($143 million) with Leonardo to boost the size of its M-346 advanced jet trainer fleet to 12 aircraft, and could further increase this in the future.
Announced on 27 March, the development will lead to the delivery of four additional M-346s by 2020, with these to join eight already transferred to the Polish air force. The new order also covers a support package, and "also contains options for an additional four aircraft", the Italian company says.
Leonardo
Leonardo gives its total orders for the twin-engined type at 72 units, procured by Israel, Italy, Poland and Singapore. Flight Fleets Analyzer shows 68 of these as in current use. The company also is offering a T-100 derivative for the US Air Force's T-X trainer competition, via its DRS subsidiary.
"Training will be an increasingly important part of Leonardo's strategy, as outlined in the company's 2018-2022 industrial plan, as it allows us to develop a deep understanding of our customers' needs and to collaborate with them in the long term," says chief executive Alessandro Profumo.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
