Aircraft
Alenia Delivers First M346 To Italy; Status of UAE Purchase Remains Unclear
The Italian Air Force accepted the first of six Alenia Aermacchi M346 advanced jet trainers. A second aircraft will follow shortly
The Italian Air Force is the first to take delivery of the M346 advanced jet trainer from Alenia Aermacchi. (Photo: Alenia)
The Italian Air Force is the first to take delivery of the M346 advanced jet trainer from Alenia Aermacchi. (Photo: Alenia)

The Italian Air Force accepted the first of six Alenia Aermacchi M346 advanced jet trainers. A second aircraft will follow shortly, and the pair will be flight-tested further by the air force at Pratica di Mare airbase.

The air force will take delivery of the other four aircraft and the ground-based training system next year. Alenia received the €220 million contract at the end of 2009.