Israeli defense ministry taps Alenia Aermacchi for M-346 aircraft

MANILA, Philippines - Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company which recently supplied the Philippine Air Force (PAF) with 18 new basic trainer aircraft, has been exclusively selected by Israel’s Ministry of Defense to provide M-346 aircraft for the training of Israeli Air Force (IAF) pilots.

The M-346s will make the Israeli Air Force’ new trainers fleet and will replace the TA-4 Sky-Hawks currently operated by the IAF.

The official contract award is scheduled for the middle of 2012 and the airplanes will be delivered to the customer starting in the second half of 2014.

The result is even more significant in a country as Israel which has an advanced and recognized technology base, particularly in the defense sector.

The contract, signed at the end of 2009 with the IAF, is for the acquisition of a first batch of six M-346 aircraft and of the ground-based training system. This is the third important international selection for the M-346.

It has been preferred also by the Singapore Air Forces which signed the contract for 12 M-346 aircraft and ground-based training systems (GBTS); and the United Arab Emirates under its tender for 48 new trainer aircraft, in both operational and training versions.    

The Alenia Aermacchi M-346 represents the best and most modern platform in terms of cost-effectiveness both as a new generation advanced/lead-in fighter trainer, part of a comprehensive integrated training system as well as a capable and survivable light combat aircraft with adequate multirole potential, remarkable weapon carrying capability and long combat radius.

Alenia Aermacchi S.p.A., with the technology transfer arrangements with local partner Aerotech, supplied PAF with 18 new basic trainers SF260FH, fully delivered in 2011 and in full operations and use at Lipa Air Base.

Under the military pilot program, from basic trainer to S211 jet trainers and the M-346 in its lead in training capability, pilots will be able to learn how to fly multi-role aircraft like the F16 from the US now being considered to complete the Air Force modernization and capability.

The MB346 has been offered and being evaluated by the DND-PAF for their acquisition of the surface attack aircraft/lead in fighter aircraft requirement under the modernization program.

Its twin engine offers more advantage as to safety in its light combat aircraft category considering the mission given to Filipino pilots.