Show flying display gives clue to UAE basic trainer selection
Following the selection in February of the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master for its advanced trainer and light combat aircraft needs, the United Arab Emirates

Following the selection in February of the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master for its advanced trainer and light combat aircraft needs, the United Arab Emirates air force and air defense (AFAD) is focused on its basic trainer requirement to replace the current Pilatus PC-7 Turbo Trainers. The competitors are the jet-powered Alenia Aermacchi M-311 and the turboprop Pilatus PC-21.

There has yet to be any official announcement from the UAE regarding this requirement, and neither competitor will comment about it. However, AIN understands that a selection has in fact been made, and that official notification will soon be forthcoming. Perhaps a glance at the daily flying display schedule here at Dubai might provide a clue as to what the competition’s outcome might be: the PC-21 is in it; the M-311 is not.

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