The first two T-346A for the Italian Air Force were rolled out Monday, according to prime contractor Alenia Aermacchi, a division of Finmeccanica.
Within a few months the first two T-346A–as the M-346 is designated by the Italian Air Force–will be delivered to the Experimental Flying Unit at Pratica di Mare Air Base, near Rome, where they will undergo operational evaluation testing. The Italian Air Force has ordered a total of six aircraft.
Next year, Italy will receive the other four aircraft, becoming the world’s first air force equipped with a new advanced training line based on the M-346, Alenia said in a press statement.
The production line is already working on the other four aircraft, according to Alenia, and has also launched production of the 12 trainers ordered by the Republic of Singapore Air Force.