Argentina evaluates M-346 as potential combat fighter
Gareth Jennings, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
21 October 2016
The Argentine Air Force (Fuerza Aérea Argentina - FAA) has evaluated the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master advanced jet trainer and light fighter as a potential new front-line platform.
FAA pilots flew the aircraft in Italy on 12 and 13 October, the Italian Ministry of Defence (MoD) disclosed on 19 October. The FAA delegation was hosted by the Italian Air Force's (Aeronautica Militare Italiana - AMI) 61° Stormo (Wing) at Lecce.
In an article posted on its website, the Italian MoD noted that the FAA was especially interested in testing the M-346's air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities. Although billed primarily as a jet trainer platform, the M-346 does have a secondary offensive capability.
Fitted with nine hardpoints (four under each wing and one on the centreline for an optional cannon pod), the M-346 can carry a range of 'dumb' and 'smart' munitions, such as Mk 82/83/84 unguided bombs and GBU-12/16 and Opher Mk 82 guided bombs. It can also carry six Durandal anti-runway dispensers, four BRD-4 or LAU-7/LAU-5002/LAU-32 rocket pods, four AIM-9 Sidewinder or Diehl IRIS-T AAMs, four AGM-65 Maverick ASMs, or four Brimstone anti-armour/low-collateral missiles. The Rafael RecceLite reconnaissance pod has also been integrated,
and while no radar has yet been fitted, Alenia Aermacchi's parent company Leonardo has said that this can be done at a customer's request.
The Italian evaluation came on the back of a similar visit to South Korea in September, where the FAA put the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50 Fighting Eagle through its paces. The FAA is looking for a new fighter type following the retirement of the Dassault Mirage III and Mirage 5 fleets in late 2015, and the subsequent grounding of the Douglas A-4R Fightinghawk fleet.
IHS Jane's understands that the service is looking at between 10 and 12 new aircraft to field a credible combat capability.
Want to read more? For analysis on this article and access to all our insight content, please enquire about our subscription options ihs.com/contact
An Argentine Air Force pilot in the rear-seat of the M-346 Master during an evaluation that took place in Italy in mid-October. (Italian MoD)