First Italian Air Force T-345 noted with code

The first T-345 ordered by the Aeronautica Militare (AMI, Italian Air Force) is apparently almost ready for delivery. On 29 October 2020, Leonardo T-345A still wearing test registration CSX55234, was noted for the first time with the code 61-202 of its new owner, the 61º Stormo.

The T-345A was noted during a flight test from Venegono airport, in northwestern Italy. This new trainer will progressively replace the Aermacchi MB339A, used for Phase II and instructor training, and the MB339CD version which is used for Phase III training.

In June 2019, Leonardo received a second contract from the Italian Ministry of Defence for the supply of thirteen T-345A High Efficiency Trainers (HET). This second contract follows an initial contract for five aircraft bringing the total now ordered by Italy to eighteen and has a value of USD 333 million (300 million euro). It includes ground-based training systems and a five year logistics support package.

The Aeronautica Militare has identified a requirement for around 45 T-345A training aircraft to progressively replace its fleet of 137 Aermacchi MB339s, that have been in service since 1982. The T-345A is also destined to become the new platform of Italy’s National Aerobatic Team (Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale (PAN), also known as Frecce Tricolori.

Photo: Fabrizio Capenti