Leonardo and Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze Nr 1 S.A. (WZL1), a subsidiary of the PGZ Group, have formalized a contract for the extensive support of the Polish Air Force’s M-346 “Bielik” fleet, enhancing the current collaboration.
Building on Leonardo’s extensive expertise and support experience with a worldwide customer network, WZL1’s vast experience in maintaining aircraft and systems within the Polish Armed Forces – alongside the comprehensive technical, logistic, and infrastructural facilities that WZL1 offers near the operational base for the AJT system – this service support agreement will enable a further boost in fleet availability to satisfy the Polish Air Force’s rising demand for training combat aviators.
As the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Leonardo will be accountable for providing engineering support services stemming from its role in the operational system and supply chain management. WZL1 will serve as the primary contractor, overseeing the entire process and supplementing areas where Leonardo is not directly engaged. WZL1 is also tasked with direct collaboration with the end user.
Leonardo further collaborates with WZL1 based on separate agreements to develop training and establish maintenance and repair expertise at Wojskowe Zakłady Lotnicze No. 1 S.A. to bolster the operation of M-346 aircraft with the AJT system.
The knowledge gained from the support system for the global fleet of M-346 aircraft aims to assure a highly efficient Logistics Support System for “Bielik,” providing both technical and logistical assistance in the training framework. This is facilitated through Leonardo’s predictive maintenance strategy and the technical and commercial collaboration with WZL1, an experienced service provider adhering to global aviation standards.
Dario Marfè, SVP Commercial and Customer Services at Leonardo Aircraft Division, remarked: “With over 100,000 flight hours logged, the advanced M-346 has solidified its status as the premier advanced jet trainer for today’s and tomorrow’s fighter pilots. As a leader in jet training technology, the M-346 is set to remain the optimal method for cultivating fighter pilot skills for decades to come. This agreement reinforces Leonardo’s alliance with WZL1, generating new opportunities to shift additional activities to Poland, in-line with a validated and adaptable logistic support model that Leonardo has implemented in various nations, which anticipates the transfer of capacities to local defense industries.”
In February 2014, the Polish Air Force selected the M-346 as the successor to the renowned TS-11 Iskra training aircraft. Subsequently, in November 2018, during a ceremony at the Polish Air Force’s 4th Air Training Wing in Dęblin, the M–346 was officially named “Bielik” in Polish service. Since its introduction to the Polish Air Force fleet, the M-346 has been assigned to the 41st Training Air Base in Dęblin. The current fleet comprises 16 aircraft, resulting from two additional orders following Poland’s initial selection.
Poland’s M-346 “Bielik” system has also received certification from the US Air Force for training fourth and fifth-generation fighter pilots, marking a significant milestone that has enabled Poland to train many of its students domestically rather than overseas.
Over 100 M-346 aircraft have been procured by leading international air forces, including those of Italy, Israel, Poland, Singapore, Qatar, and Greece. The aircraft is also fundamental to the International Flight Training School (IFTS), a partnership between Leonardo and the Italian Air Force, which has been chosen by Japan, Germany, Qatar, and Singapore.
