Cessna T-41 Mescalero vs Leonardo M-346

United States Air Force United States Army Indonesian Air Force Turkish Air Force^[source]

Italian Air Force Israeli Air Force Polish Air Force Republic of Singapore Air Force Hellenic Air Force^[source]

T-41A : 230 T-41B : 255 T-41C : 52 T-41D : 299^[source]

165 ordered 103 delivered (September 2025)^[source]

1964–1996^[source]

2004–present^[source]

1964^[source]

September 2015^[source]

Cessna 172 Cessna R172^[source]

Yak/AEM-130^[source]

three passengers^[source]

2-bladed variable-pitch propeller^[source]

T-41 Mescalero^[source]

15 July 2004^[source]

2,000 kg (4,409 lb) internal^[source]

176 km/h (109 mph, 95 kn)^[source]

1,470 km/h (910 mph, 790 kn) / M1.2^[source]

+ 8 - 3^[source]

285 kg/m 2 (58 lb/sq ft)^[source]

0.84^[source]

Provision for a total of seven pylon stations (one× under-fuselage, four× under-wing plus two× wingtip), capable of mounting up to 3,000 kilograms (6,600 lb ) of external payload and up to three× 630 litres (140 imp gal ; 170 US gal ) external drop tanks (only under-fuselage and two inward wing pylons are wet-plumbed)^[source]

Grifo-M346 radar (M-346FA)^[source]

On 10 April 2008, the first low rate initial production (LRIP-00) aircraft, produced in the final configuration (new landing gear and air brake and more composite parts), was rolled out. On 18 December 2008, Aermacchi announced that the M-346 had attained a maximum speed of Mach 1.15 (1,255 km/h, 678 knots, 780 mph), claiming the occasion to be the first in which an all-Italian built aircraft had broken the sound barrier in 50 years.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Development / Into flight; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In January 2021, Israeli and Greece ministers of defence announced plans to establish a wide-ranging $1.68 billion security agreement that include the procurement of 10 M-346 aircraft and the establishment and operation of a flight school for the Hellenic Air Force by Elbit Systems , including provisions for simulators, training, and logistical support.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Development / Further development; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The M-346 incorporates a full-authority, quadruplex digital, fly-by-wire flight-control system, which in combination with the optimized aerodynamic configuration of the aircraft, provides for full manoeuvrability and controllability at very high angle of attack (in excess of 30°). The flight-control system, incorporating a HOTAS design philosophy, is equipped with adjustable angle of attack and g-force limitations; when combined with its wide performance envelope, this allows the M-346 to effectively mimic the flight performance of various fighter aircraft operated by trainee pilots or to progressively increase difficulty levels, thus raising the training's effectiveness. A pilot-activated recovery system is present, which when pressed, conducts an automatic recovery by returning the aircraft to a steady and level flight path.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The M-346, in the multirole fighter attack variant (M-346FA), is equipped with a multimode fire-control radar (Grifo M-346 by Leonardo Electronics) and a total of seven hardpoints ; it is capable of carrying external loads up to 3,000 kg while maintaining a high thrust-to-weight ratio; stores management data can be presented upon any of the multifunction displays in the cockpit. The radar cross-section of the M346 in a standard configuration is reportedly 20 m 2 ; this can be reduced to 1 m 2 by installing a low-observability kit that has been developed for the type. Other self-protection systems that can be fitted include a defensive-aids support system, which includes a radar warning receiver , missile-approach warning system, and chaff and flare dispensers. The high-end, net-centric communication suite of the M-346FA includes secure communicatioss and a tactical tatalink, both NATO and non-NATO.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The combat-capable M-346FA can perform ground-attack, homeland-defence, and air-policing missions and reconnaissance. Various munitions and stores can be carried, including IRIS-T or AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, various air-to-surface missiles, antiship missiles, free-fall and laser-guided bombs and rockets, a 12.7 mm gun pod, reconnaissance and targeting pods, and electronicwarfare pods; weapon aiming is performed using the HMD and the multifunction displays. All main systems are duplicated, and the flight system is reconfigurable to increase survivability and functionality in the event of battle damage being sustained. The aircraft has a maximum range of 1,375 nautical miles when outfitted with a maximum of three external fuel tanks; this can be extended by in-flight refueling using a removable refueling probe.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Design; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In 2007, the Italian Air Force reportedly intended initially to acquire a batch of 15 low-rate-production M-346s. On 18 June 2009, Alenia Aermacchi announced it had received an order for the first six with an option for nine more. In September 2015, the Italian Air Force started their first training course using the M-346 trainer. In March 2016, Finmeccanica signed a contract worth over 300 million euros with the Italian Ministry of Defence for nine M-346s, bringing the number of aircraft ordered by Italy to 18.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operational history / Italian Air Force; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In July 2010, the M-346 was selected by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to replace the ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawks in the advanced jet training role, based at BA 120 Cazaux Air Base in France. In a press release by the Singaporean Ministry of Defence on 28 September 2010, ST Aerospace was awarded the contract to acquire 12 M-346s and a ground-based training system on behalf of RSAF. As stipulated in the contract, ST Aerospace acts as the main contractor in the maintenance of the aircraft after delivery by Alenia Aermacchi, while Boeing supplies the training system. The RSAF holds the distinction of being the first export customer for the type.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operational history / Singapore Air Force; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

On 16 February 2012, the M-346 was selected by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) in an exchange deal, in which Israel was to build a reconnaissance satellite and AWACs systems for Italy in return for the planes. It will operate as the IAF's main training jet to replace the McDonnell Douglas A-4H/N Skyhawk , which has served the IAF for over 40 years. On 19 July 2012, a contract was signed between Alenia Aermacchi and the Israeli Ministry of Defence to supply 30 M-346s, with the first delivery expected in the middle of 2014. The IAF announced on 2 July 2013 that in Israeli service, the M-346 would be named the Lavi , reusing the name given to the cancelled IAI Lavi . The IAF's first M-346 was rolled out in a ceremony at Alenia Aermacchi's factory in Venegono Superiore on March 20, 2014.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operational history / Israeli Air Force; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

On 23 December 2013, it was announced that Poland had selected the M-346 to meet a requirement for an advanced jet trainer. A contract for eight aircraft was signed on 27 February 2014. The first two M-346s arrived at Dęblin in November 2016. The aircraft were initially not officially accepted due to non-compliance with contract specifications. The delivery deadline was originally November 2016, but delays meant delivery and acceptance was not complete until 22 December 2017.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operational history / Polish Air Force; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In March 2018, Poland signed for an additional four M-346s and a support package, plus options for a further four aircraft with a support package. In December 2018, Poland signed for the additional four aircraft, as well as upgrades to the existing fleet of eight. Deliveries and upgrade work for the total of 16 M-346s was expected to run into 2022.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operational history / Polish Air Force; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In July 2024, during the 2024 edition of the Farnborough International Airshow , Leonardo presented and offered to Brazil the new-variant Block 20 as a candidate for the Brazilian Air Force 's process of selection for a light attack jet to replace the older AMX attack jet. The aircraft was evaluated by the MoD minister José Múcio and the air force commander Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno . In November 2024, during the visit to Brazil by the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni , she was to meet Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to discuss the sale of 24 M-346s to the Brazilian Air Force, another six aircraft to the Brazilian Navy , and other related accords.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operational history / Potential operators / Brazil; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

International Test Pilots School of Canada, which provides training capacity to NATO forces, ordered six M-346T Block 20 jet trainers with option for additional six aircraft in May 2026. The first aircraft is expected to enter service in 2029.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operational history / Potential operators / Canada; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In July 2025, Indonesian Air Force delegation visited the Leonardo facility in Milan, and among other agenda items, inspected the M-346FA production line. The Ministry of Defense of Indonesia stated in December 2025 that discussion regarding the M-346FA is in its early stages. The Ministry of Defense signed a letter of intent for M-346F Block 20 in February 2026. One report said the deal involves the sale of 24 M-346FIs, with an option for another 12. The aircraft are to be supplied by the defense company E-Systems Solutions. In addition, to support the aircraft maintenance, the company also plans to integrate eaach Indonesian M-346F with IRIS-T air-to-air missile, indigenous MK-V Delta light cruise missile, self-protection jammer, and datalink.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operational history / Potential operators / Indonesia; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Leonardo and PT E-Systems Solutions Indonesia announced the contract signing of 12 M-346F Block 20 planes for the Indonesian Air Force on 21 July 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow. The contract is valued at around €1 billion or US$1.14 billion. Deliveries are expected to start in 2030.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operational history / Potential operators / Indonesia; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In July 2021, Leonardo made a submission to the Irish Commission on the Defence Forces presenting the M-346FA as a light multirole fighter and advanced trainer for the Irish Air Corps . The commission has multiple tasks, including determining the future capability requirements for the Irish Defence Forces . Currently, the Irish Air Corps has a very limited air-combat capability with eight Pilatus PC-9M training/light-attack aircraft. The M-346FA could be a cheaper alternative to more expensive fighters and would be Ireland's first combat jet aircraft since the retirement of the six Fouga CM.170 Magister aircraft in 1999. In comparison to Ireland's current air-combat capability, the M-346FA would be considered by many to be a step up, introducing features such as air-to-air missiles and onboard radar.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operational history / Potential operators / Ireland; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In 2025, the report that RAF pilots were training with the M-346 at the International Flight Training School in Sardinia, Italy. According to the Ministry of Defence, six RAF pilots completed their training at the Sardinian base during the 2024–25 training year, with a further two RAF pilots forecast to complete their training during 2025–26 and three in 2026–27.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operational history / Potential operators / United Kingdom; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

M-346FT (Fighter Trainer)^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Multirole variant capable of air-to-air and air-to-surface combat with a 3 tonne payload spread over seven hardpoints , advanced Grifo-M346 radar radar, countermeasures and stealth features including engine intake grids and radar-absorbing coatings on the canopy and wing leading edge. It is being marketed as a light attack aircraft also suitable for aggressor and companion training purposes. The aircraft was revealed on 18 June 2017, in a static display at that year's Paris Air Show . The aircraft is being marketed for export to South American and East Asian countries, and is claimed to be able to carry out operational missions at far lower costs than those of front-line fighters.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Variants; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Greece (10 in service)^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operators / Current operators / Training aircraft; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The Hellenic Air Force has ten M-346 Block 5+ "Silver Hawks". The first two delivered in May 2023, all delivered by September 2025.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operators / Current operators / Training aircraft; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Italy (22 in service, 20 on order)^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operators / Current operators / Training aircraft; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) operates six M-346 trainers as part of an agreement in 2010 with Leonardo and the Italian Air Force to be used at the International Flight Training School for Phase 4 training for Qatari pilots. Three delivered as of January 2022 All delivered as of 2024^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operators / Current operators / Training aircraft; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The Turkmen Air Force ordered four M-346 FA and two M-346DR/FT.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operators / Current operators / Training aircraft; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The Austrian Air Force ordered twelve M-346FA. Deliveries will be in two batches of six aircraft and, in addition, there are options for two further batches of six aircraft each. In the ex ante notice by the Italian Ministry of Defense it is specified that the order will include armaments such as the 20mm Nexter gun pod, LAU32 rocket launchers, active self-protection SPEAR AECM EW pods from Elbit Systems , Full Mission Simulators and the integration of the Link 16 and the Air-to-air IRIS-T missile.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operators / Orders; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

ITPS Canada ordered six M-346T Block 20 trainers in May 2026.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operators / Orders; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

The Indonesian Air Force ordered twelve M-346F Block 20 in July 2026, with delivery expected to start in 2030.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operators / Orders; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

In 2021, the Nigerian Air Force ordered twelve M-346FA (+ twelve options). The deal was reportedly $1.2 billion for twenty-four M-346 aircraft. In October 2024, it was confirmed that the order was for twenty-four aircraft, deliveries were expected to begin in early 2025.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Operators / Orders; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Manufacturing sites associated with the M-346 supply chain have also been targeted by pro-Palestinian protests and direct action. On 26 August 2025, four protesters entered the Moog facility in Wolverhampton and occupied the roof of the factory. The group said that it had targeted the site because Moog manufactured aircraft components exported to Israel for the M-346, which is used by the Israeli Air Force to train pilots for F-15, F-16 and F-35 aircraft. Police reported damage to skylights and solar panels, and four people were arrested.^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Exports to Israel / Protests at manufacturing sites; only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Length: 11.49 m (37 ft 8 in)^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Wingspan: 9.72 m (31 ft 11 in)^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Height: 4.76 m (15 ft 7 in)^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Wing area: 23.52 m 2 (253.2 sq ft)^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Empty weight: 4,900 kg (10,803 lb)^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Gross weight: 6,700 kg (14,771 lb)^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Max takeoff weight: 9,600 kg (21,164 lb) trainer^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Fuel capacity: 2,000 kg (4,409 lb) internal^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Powerplant: 2 × Honeywell/ITEC F124-GA-200 turbofan engines , 28 kN (6,300 lbf) thrust each^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Maximum speed: 1,090 km/h (680 mph, 590 kn)^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Stall speed: 176 km/h (109 mph, 95 kn)^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Never exceed speed : 1,470 km/h (910 mph, 790 kn) / M1.2^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Range: 1,925 km (1,196 mi, 1,039 nmi)^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Ferry range: 2,550 km (1,580 mi, 1,380 nmi) with 3 external drop tanks^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Endurance: 2 hours 45 minutes (4 hours with external drop tanks)^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Service ceiling: 13,716 m (45,000 ft)^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Rate of climb: 112 m/s (22,000 ft/min)^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage

Hardpoints : Provision for a total of seven pylon stations (one× under-fuselage, four× under-wing plus two× wingtip), capable of mounting up to 3,000 kilograms (6,600 lb ) of external payload and up to three× 630 litres (140 imp gal ; 170 US gal ) external drop tanks (only under-fuselage and two inward wing pylons are wet-plumbed) Gun pods : FN Herstal HMP250 12.7mm machine gun Nexter 20mm M621 cannon Air-to-air missiles : AIM-9 Sidewinder I-Derby ER IRIS-T Air-to-surface missiles : AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missile Anti-ship missiles : Marte MK-2A anti-ship missiles Mark 82 500lb and Mark-83 1,000lb free-fall or retarded bombs^[source]Leonardo M-346 · Specifications (M-346); only the objects and conditions stated in this passage