Forecast $21.9 billion light attack and trainer opportunities up for grabs as Leonardo lines up M-346
The M-346 is a contender to replace countries’ ageing trainer aircraft. (Photo: Leonardo)
The M-346 stands as a potential contender for various countries facing impending capability gaps due to ageing trainer aircraft, while it could also be selected as a cost-effective light fighter aircraft.
Shephard has forecast a market opportunity worth US$21.9 billion for light attack and training aircraft, which Leonardo’s M-346 could be well-placed to compete in as demand for the aircraft remains strong, according to the company.
“There’s a lot of updates ongoing with the trainer and light attack aircraft, the M-346, which is doing very well in terms of business,” Roberto Cingolani, CEO at Leonardo, said at the company’s recent Industrial Plan update.
“There’s a plethora of countries who want to have light fighters, because they cannot afford an F-35 or Eurofighter,” Cingolani added. “This is a main pipeline [of opportunity].”
The
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics]()
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
-
![European CCA programmes see progress as industry narrows in on key flight milestones]()
European CCA programmes see progress as industry narrows in on key flight milestones
European defence firms including Airbus, Helsing, General Atomics and Anduril are accelerating development and testing of collaborative combat aircraft to meet Germany’s loyal wingman requirement, targeting operational deployment by the end of the decade.
-
![Leonardo plans to fly uncrewed fighters alongside M-346 aircraft by mid-2026]()
Leonardo plans to fly uncrewed fighters alongside M-346 aircraft by mid-2026
The two uncrewed fighter aircraft will be made in conjunction with Baykar, which joined forces with Leonardo under LBA Systems in June 2025 to develop and produce uncrewed aerial systems for the international market.
