Article Posted on : - Apr 10, 2018

M-346 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft. Photo: Leonardo

NEW DELHI (BNS): Leonardo and the Armament Inspectorate of the Polish Ministry of National Defence have signed a contract to supply four additional M-346 Advanced Jet Trainers (AJT) that will join the Polish Air Force’s existing fleet of eight aircraft by 2020.

The contract, worth more than 115 million euro, includes a support package. It also contains options for additional four aircraft and support package.

The M-346, one of the most advanced trainer aircraft, is unique in its ability to prepare pilots to fly the latest generation high-performance aircraft. Its wide flight envelope, high thrust/weight ratio and extreme maneuverability allows the M-346 to offer flight conditions similar to those of new-generation combat aircraft maximizing training effectiveness and reducing the need to fly sorties on the far more expensive and complex variants of frontline aircraft.

The Embedded Tactical Training Simulation (ETTS) allows the M-346 to emulate sensors, countermeasures and armaments, as well as allowing pilots to interact in real time with a virtual tactical scenario, further enhancing flexibility and cost reduction.

Leonardo Aerospace Company has a long-standing collaboration with Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) for the Rosomak programme providing the 30 mm Hitfist Turret to the Polish Army. Leonardo supplies also several defence and security systems like the ground segment for the COSMO-SkyMed earth observation satellites, early warning radar and coastal surveillance systems contributing significantly to the security of Poland.