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M-346F Light Fighter Jet

M-346F Light Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: Leonardo
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4th
Maximum Speed Mach 0.95
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range Up to 100 km

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	M-346F
Manufacturer	Leonardo
Country of Origin	Italy
Type / Role	Light Fighter, Trainer
Generation	Fourth
Status	In Production
First Flight	2004
Introduction / In Service Since	2015
Number Built	100 plus
Operators	Italy, export customers

Dimensions & Structure

Length	11.5 m
Wingspan	9.7 m
Height	4.8 m
Wing Area	23.5 sq m
Empty Weight	4,600 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	9,500 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	9

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 0.95
Range	2,000 km
Combat Radius	550 km
Service Ceiling	45,000 ft
Rate of Climb	6,000 m per min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	0.72
G Limits	+8 g

Powerplant

Engine Type	Honeywell F124
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	28 kN
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	Internal plus external tanks

Armament

Gun	Optional external pod
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	AIM-9, IRIS-T
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	Brimstone, Maverick
Bombs	Guided and unguided
Hardpoints	9
Payload Capacity	3,000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Grifo-346
Radar Range	Up to 100 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Defensive aids suite
Targeting System	External targeting pod
Helmet Display	Supported
Navigation	INS GPS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Digital flight control
Communication	Secure data link

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Conventional
Stealth Features	Limited
Infrared Signature Reduction	Partial
Sensor Fusion	Yes
Networking Capabilities	Tactical data links

Variants

Special Export Versions

Customized avionics

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Training and patrol roles
Notable Operators	Italian Air Force
Combat Proven?	Limited
Mission Types	Training, CAS, patrol

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	USD 25 to 35 million
Development Cost	Not public
Program Name	M-346
Funding Countries	Italy

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Enhanced sensors
Future Replacement	Not defined
Export Restrictions	Case by case
Notable Achievements	Trainer fighter integration
Competitors	FA-50, L-39NG

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Low operating and maintenance cost
Modern avionics with digital cockpit
Flexible training and combat roles
Wide range of compatible weapons
High sortie generation rate

CONS

Not supersonic beyond Mach 1
Limited payload compared to heavy fighters
No stealth shaping
Smaller radar range than larger jets
Limited combat history

The M-346F Light Fighter Jet is a multirole combat aircraft developed from the proven M-346 advanced trainer. Built by Leonardo of Italy, the aircraft is designed to bridge the gap between jet training and frontline light combat missions. It offers air forces a cost effective platform for air defense, close air support, and tactical reconnaissance.

Design and Role

Originally developed as an advanced trainer, the M-346F evolves the airframe into a combat ready light fighter. It supports both single seat and twin seat configurations, making it suitable for operational conversion training and combat operations. The aircraft targets nations seeking modern capability without the cost and logistics burden of heavy fighters.

Performance and Capabilities

Powered by two Honeywell F124 turbofan engines, the M-346F reaches speeds close to Mach 1 and offers high agility with a relaxed stability design. It features nine external hardpoints and can carry up to 3,000 kg of weapons, including air to air missiles, guided bombs, and rockets. The Grifo-346 radar provides reliable detection and tracking for both air and ground targets.

Avionics and Operational Use

The cockpit uses a full glass layout with hands on throttle and stick controls, helmet mounted display support, and modern data links. Its embedded simulation system allows pilots to train with virtual targets while flying real missions. This reduces training cost while improving combat readiness. The M-346F is suited for homeland defense, counter insurgency, and secondary strike roles.

M-346F Light Fighter Jet Price in US

The M-346F Light Fighter Jet does not have a fixed public price. Estimates place the unit cost between USD 25 million and USD 35 million, depending on avionics, weapons, and support packages selected by the customer.

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