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M-346FA Fighter Jet

M-346FA Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: Leonardo
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4th
Maximum Speed Mach 1.2
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range Approximately 100 km (Grifo-M346 radar, target dependent)

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	Leonardo M-346FA
Manufacturer	Leonardo S.p.A.
Country of Origin	Italy
Type / Role	Light Multirole Fighter / Advanced Trainer
Generation	4th Generation Light Fighter
Status	In Production
First Flight	2017 (FA Variant)
Introduction / In Service Since	2020
Number Built	Limited production, based on M-346 family
Operators	Turkmenistan, Nigeria (ordered), export customers

Dimensions & Structure

Length	11.49 m
Wingspan	9.72 m
Height	4.76 m
Wing Area	23.5 m²
Empty Weight	Approximately 4,610 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	10,400 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	7

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.2
Range	2,570 km (ferry)
Combat Radius	Approximately 550 km
Service Ceiling	45,000 ft (13,700 m)
Rate of Climb	Approximately 6,900 ft/min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	Approximately 0.75
G Limits	+8 / -3 G

Powerplant

Engine Type	Honeywell F124-GA-200 Turbofan
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	28 kN
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	Approximately 2,000 kg internal

Armament

Gun	Optional 12.7 mm or 20 mm gun pod
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	AIM-9 Sidewinder, IRIS-T, ASRAAM, Derby (integration dependent)
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	AGM-65 Maverick, Brimstone, Marte ER (integration dependent)
Bombs	Mk 82, GBU-12, GBU-38 JDAM, precision-guided bombs
Hardpoints	7
Payload Capacity	Up to 3,000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Leonardo Grifo-M346 Multimode Radar
Radar Range	Approximately 100 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Integrated self-protection suite with RWR and countermeasures
Targeting System	Targeting pod compatible
Helmet Display	Helmet Mounted Display supported
Navigation	GPS/INS with digital mission computer
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Digital autopilot and advanced flight management
Communication	Secure NATO-compatible communications and datalink

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Reduced but not classified as stealth
Stealth Features	Limited signature reduction
Infrared Signature Reduction	Engine management measures
Sensor Fusion	Partial mission system integration
Networking Capabilities	Tactical datalink compatible

Variants

Special Export Versions

Customer-specific weapon and avionics configurations

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Primarily used for air policing, training, and light attack missions
Notable Operators	Turkmenistan, Nigeria
Combat Proven?	Limited operational combat experience
Mission Types	Air defense, close air support, reconnaissance, border patrol, maritime security, pilot training

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	Approximately $30 to $35 million
Development Cost	Undisclosed
Program Name	Leonardo M-346 Fighter Attack Program
Funding Countries	Italy and export customers

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Enhanced sensors, additional precision weapon integration, networking improvements
Future Replacement	None currently planned
Export Restrictions	Subject to Italian and international export regulations
Notable Achievements	One of the few aircraft combining advanced jet training with multirole combat capability
Competitors	KAI FA-50 Fighting Eagle, Aero L-39NG Skyfox, Hongdu L-15B, Yak-130M

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

7.5

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 7 / 10
Firepower 7 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Lower acquisition and operating costs than frontline multirole fighters
Capable of both combat and advanced pilot training
Compatible with numerous NATO-standard precision weapons
Modern glass cockpit with digital fly-by-wire controls
High mission flexibility for air policing and close air support

CONS

Limited payload compared with medium and heavy fighters
Not a stealth aircraft
Lower radar and sensor capability than advanced frontline fighters
Limited supersonic performance
Smaller combat radius than larger twin engine multirole aircraft

Leonardo M-346FA Light Fighter Jet

The Leonardo M-346FA (Fighter Attack) is a lightweight multirole combat aircraft developed from the successful M-346 advanced jet trainer. Designed and manufactured by Leonardo S.p.A. of Italy, the aircraft combines advanced training capabilities with precision strike, air policing, close air support, and homeland defense missions. It offers an affordable solution for nations seeking a capable light fighter without the high operating costs of larger fourth or fifth generation combat aircraft.

Manufacturer and Capabilities

The M-346FA features modern mission avionics, a multimode fire control radar, digital fly-by-wire flight controls, and compatibility with a wide range of NATO-standard precision-guided weapons. The aircraft can perform air-to-air, air-to-ground, reconnaissance, and maritime security operations while also serving as an advanced lead-in fighter trainer. Its open architecture allows operators to integrate mission-specific equipment and future upgrades.

Speed, Range, and Operational Performance

Powered by two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, the M-346FA reaches a maximum speed of Mach 1.2 and has a ferry range exceeding 2,500 kilometers with external fuel tanks. Its operational range and endurance make it suitable for border patrol, tactical strike missions, and regional security operations. Seven external hardpoints allow the aircraft to carry air-to-air missiles, guided bombs, rocket pods, external fuel tanks, reconnaissance pods, and electronic warfare equipment.

Cost and Operational Value

The estimated unit price of the M-346FA ranges between $30 million and $35 million, depending on configuration, mission systems, and customer requirements. Compared with heavier multirole fighters, it offers significantly lower acquisition and life cycle costs while retaining advanced combat capabilities. This combination of affordability, flexibility, and modern avionics has made the M-346FA an attractive option for countries modernizing their air forces or replacing aging light attack aircraft.

Variants

Field	Example
M-346AJT	Advanced Jet Trainer
M-346FA	Fighter Attack Variant
M-346 Block Upgrades	Enhanced avionics and mission systems
Special Export Versions	Customer-specific weapon and avionics configurations

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