Introduction of the Polish Air Force M-346 Aircraft
Rome, Italy – June 6, 2016: The official roll-out ceremony for the first of eight M-346 aircraft for the Polish Air Force was held today at Leonardo-Finmeccanica’s facility in Venegono-Superiore, near Varese. Notable attendees included Polish Deputy Defense Minister Bartosz Kownacki, State Under Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Gioacchino Alfano, and Managing Director of Leonardo-Finmeccanica Aircraft, Filippo Bagnato.
Leading Technological Solutions for Pilot Training
Mauro Moretti, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo-Finmeccanica, stated, “We are proud to be the only company globally capable of delivering a comprehensive technological solution that significantly reduces pilot training duration and prepares them to master advanced, new-generation military aircraft. Many countries are now focusing on integrated training systems that encompass both aircraft and ground-based simulation, enhancing their operational readiness.” This integrated training approach has proven effective at the Italian Air Force’s training center in Galatina, which serves 11 NATO and Allied Air Forces, enabling pilots to obtain their licenses using Leonardo-Finmeccanica’s systems and aircraft.
Details of the M-346 Aircraft Program
The first M-346 advanced trainer, ordered by Poland in 2014, will proceed to a flight test program to certify customized systems selected by the Polish Air Force, including the brake parachute. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery by the end of this year, along with a second jet, with all deliveries expected to conclude by November 2017.
Future Prospects for the M-346 in Poland
The M-346 aircraft will be integrated into the 4th Training Wing Squadron based in Deblin, Poland, which aims to establish itself as an international training hub for military pilots. In total, the M-346 has received orders from several nations, including Italy (18 units), Singapore (12 units), Israel (30 units), and Poland (8 units), amounting to a total of 68 orders.
