Service History
The M-345 entered service with the Italian Air Force in December 2020, receiving its military designation T-345A when officially inducted on June 12, 2025. The Italian Air Force placed its initial order for 5 aircraft in January 2017, followed by an additional 13 units in June 2019, bringing total orders to 18 aircraft. Military planners envision eventually acquiring up to 45 M-345s to replace their fleet of 137 aging Aermacchi MB-339A trainers.
The first two production aircraft were delivered to the Italian Air Force in January 2021, marking the beginning of operational evaluation. The service plans to utilize the T-345A for second and third-stage pilot training, bridging the gap between basic training and advanced fighter aircraft preparation. The Italian Air Force also considers the M-345 as a potential replacement for the MB-339PAN aircraft currently used by the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic demonstration team.
The Manufacturer
Leonardo S.p.A., formerly known as Finmeccanica and later Alenia Aermacchi, continues Italy's distinguished tradition of military trainer aircraft production. The company traces its trainer lineage through successful aircraft including the MB-326, MB-339, and MB-346 Master. Aermacchi acquired the rights to the SIAI-Marchetti S.211 design in 1997, which became the foundation for the M-345 development program.
In 2008, Boeing and Alenia signed a joint marketing agreement for trainer aircraft, including the M-311 precursor to the M-345. Leonardo operates its primary manufacturing facility for the M-345 at Venegono Superiore in the Varese province of Italy, where the company has produced military trainers for decades.
Engine & Technical Innovation
The M-345 is powered by a single Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan engine, specifically optimized for military training applications. This powerplant replaced the Pratt & Whitney Canada JT15D-5C engine used in the earlier M-311 prototype after Williams was selected as the engine supplier in October 2014. The FJ44-4M variant provides enhanced performance while maintaining the fuel efficiency and reliability characteristics essential for training operations.
Leonardo designed the M-345 with extensive use of composite materials, enabling the aircraft to achieve a remarkable 15,000-hour fatigue life. The modern digital cockpit, redesigned in 2012, incorporates integrated monitoring systems that significantly reduce maintenance requirements and extend overhaul intervals. These High Efficiency Trainer (HET) features dramatically lower operating costs compared to previous generation trainers.
Development Timeline
The M-345 evolved from the SIAI-Marchetti S.211, which first flew on April 10, 1981, through the intermediate M-311 design that made its maiden flight on June 1, 2005. Aermacchi announced the M-311 program in 2004 as part of their strategy to develop a modern, cost-effective trainer aircraft.
The M-345 prototype completed its first flight on December 29, 2016, from Leonardo's Venegono Superiore facility. The first production-standard aircraft flew on December 21, 2018, demonstrating the refined design and manufacturing processes. Military certification was achieved in May 2020, clearing the way for operational service entry.
International Interest
Beyond the Italian Air Force, the M-345 has attracted international attention from air forces seeking modern, economical training solutions. In September 2018, Leonardo signed a memorandum of understanding with South Africa's Paramount Group to explore development of a combat-oriented variant, potentially expanding the aircraft's market appeal.
The M-345's design philosophy emphasizes reduced turnaround time between training flights, extended component life, and lower fuel consumption compared to older trainer aircraft. These characteristics make it particularly attractive to air forces operating under budget constraints while maintaining rigorous pilot training standards.
Production & Legacy
As of 2025, Leonardo has produced at least 4 M-345 aircraft, including two prototypes and initial production units. The Italian Air Force operates the first delivered aircraft in their pilot training program, with additional deliveries continuing according to contract schedules.
The M-345 represents the latest evolution in Italian trainer aircraft design, building upon decades of experience with successful designs like the MB-339, which saw global export success. With its modern systems, composite construction, and efficient powerplant, the M-345 positions Leonardo to compete in the international military trainer market for the next generation of pilot training requirements.