Article Posted on : - Apr 28, 2010

M-346 Master. A file photo.

ROME (BNS): Finmeccanica and EADS (DS) have agreed on a joint proposal to offer the M-346 for Advanced European Jet Pilot Training (AEJPT) programme.

Alenia Aermacchi (AAEM), and EADS Defence and Security (DS) had submitted a common proposal for the Request of Information on 15th march 2010, concerning Advanced European Jet Pilot Training (AEJPT) programme, issued by the European Defence Agency (EDA) on 15th July 2009, as said in a Finmeccanica company statement.

Later, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between AAEM and DS in December 2009. The collaboration was done to supply an integrated training system based on the M-346 Master advanced trainer aircraft which meets the specific requirements of the nine European countries participating in the AEJPT programme.

The M-346 Master is an advanced and lead-in fifth-generation fighter trainer aircraft. To meet the specific expectation of EDA and the AEJPT nations, Alenia Aermacchi and DS will provide a complete training for future combat aircraft pilots by bringing their individual competencies in this specific field.

The AEJPT nation's expectations are prioritized in terms of capabilities, flexibility, training effectiveness, interoperability, geographic allocation and industrial work share, the statement said.

Both companies will also involve all other European firms from AEJPT member countries in the training service and base operating activities.

The joint reply to the RFI foresees already active roles for some firms. The integrated training system offered by AAEM and DS is also open to other European companies, it said.