Article Posted on : - Feb 13, 2014

The M-346 jet trainer. An Alenia Aermacchi photo

SINGAPORE (BNS): The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will receive the last of its 12 M-346 new generation advanced trainers from ST Aerospace and Alenia Aermacchi next month.

Singapore has already received 10 of the advanced jet trainers along with relevant ground based training system and associated initial logistics support package.

In February 2013, the RSAF commenced pilot training in its Advanced Training School at the Cazaux Air Base in France, while in March 2013 the first training flight for a pilot trainee in the M-346 was successfully conducted, Alenia Aermacchi said.

In September 2010, Singapore had awarded the contract for 12 M-346 jets to replace its aging Douglas A-4 Skyhawk jet trainers.

Singapore Technologies Aerospace (ST Aerospace), as the prime contractor, had joined Italy's Alenia Aermacchi and Boeing to deliver the aircraft to the RSAF.

As a new-generation advanced fighter trainer, the M-346 is tailored to train pilots to fly new generation combat aircraft including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Gripen, Rafale, F-16, F-22 and the future F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

The jet trainers have been selected by Israel, Italy, and recently by Poland to train air force pilots.