Latest news with #StefanoBortoli
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Italian Air Force accepts Leonardo's M-345 as basic trainer jet
ROME — The Italian Air Force has formally entered into service a new basic jet trainer, the Leonardo M-345, which will operate alongside the firm's better known M-346 advanced trainer. The M-345 entered service on Thursday at a ceremony at the Air Force's 61st Wing at Galatina air base in southern Italy, where it will replace the long serving MB-339. The Air Force said 18 aircraft have been ordered to date, with seven delivered and four involved in operational test and evaluation activities which wrapped up in March. Four instructors are now trained, the Air Force said. The jet encompasses phases 2 and 3 of flight training before pilots shift to flying the M-346 in phase 4. 'With the M-345 now integrated into the armed force's training syllabus which already features the M-346 for the more advanced phases of training, the Italian Air Force will boast the most modern fixed-wing military training system in Europe,' said Stefano Bortoli, Leonardo Aeronautics Division Managing Director. Powered by a Williams FJ44-4M-34 turbofan engine, the M-345 can reach a speed of 787 kilometers per hour at 20,000 feet. Leonardo claims the jet offers a superior performance to a high end turbo-prop at the same operating cost. The aircraft features three color touch-screen Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) and a Head-Up Display (HUD). Leonardo also claims the aircraft is 'capable of light operational roles', with a payload capacity of over 1,000 kg across four underwing pylons and compatible with infrared-guided air-to-air missiles, 500 pound bombs, rocket pods and cannons. That suggests Leonardo will market the aircraft for fighter duties as well as trainer tasks, just as it has successfully sold a light fighter version of the M-346. The arrival in service of the M-345 has been a long time coming. Italy completed its order for 18 aircraft in 2019. The type was original due to replace the MB339 as the aircraft used by the Italian Air Force's acrobatic flying team, but that job has now been given to the M-346.
Barnama
13-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Expected To Receive First MPA From Italy By End-2026
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin during a briefing session with Stefano Bortoli, Managing Director of Leonardos Aeronautics Division, in conjunction with an industrial visit to the Italian defence company's facility. From Mohamad Harith Mohamad Nizar TURIN (Italy), May 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is expected to receive its first Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from Italian aerospace, defence and security company Leonardo by the end of 2026, with the second aircraft scheduled for delivery three months later, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin. He said both aircraft are part of a procurement deal worth nearly RM900 million, finalised in 2023 to strengthen the country's defence and maritime surveillance capabilities. 'As a maritime nation, Malaysia must have assets like these aircraft to carry out patrols. They will be equipped with state-of-the-art systems. 'More importantly, the aircraft will be fitted with anti-submarine systems, enabling them to respond to related activities,' he said during a working visit to Leonardo's facility here on Monday. Also present were Malaysia's Ambassador to Italy, San Marino and Kosovo, Datuk Zahid Rastam, Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Goriman Khan, Defence Ministry deputy secretary-general (policy) Mohd Yani Daud and Leonardo Aeronautics Division managing director Stefano Bortoli. Mohamed Khaled said the aircraft, whose airframe is built in Toulouse, France, will be outfitted with advanced systems including anti-surface warfare (ASuW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities before delivery to Malaysia. He described the procurement as a strategic investment to enhance the Malaysian Armed Forces' (MAF) readiness in addressing regional security challenges, particularly in the increasingly complex South China Sea. 'We know the South China Sea presents its own unique challenges, with rising tensions and conflicts, so these acquisitions will greatly aid the country.
