Farnborough 2024: Leonardo upgrades M-346 trainer, light combat jet

The M-346FA being displayed at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, alongside its weapons package. Both the trainer and light combat versions of the aircraft are to receive the new Block 20 upgrade. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

Leonardo rolled out a capability upgrade package for its M-346 trainer and light fighter and attack jet at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 on 22 July.

Designated M-346 T Block 20 in its trainer guise and M-346 F Block 20 in its light attack guise, the package comprises a software and hardware upgrade that will include a large area display (LAD) cockpit and other enhancements.

“Leonardo has announced the launch of a comprehensive capability enhancement package for the M-346 integrated training system, including the aircraft's core avionics, navigation/identification, mission equipment, and ground training capabilities,” the company said. “The move reflects the training needs to align pilot's skills to the evolution dictated by modern multidomain battlefields, combat air technology, and information management.”

As noted by Leonardo, the Block 20 upgrade leverages more than 10 years of real-world operations for the jet with air forces around the world.

“The Block 20 standard cockpit will feature two LADs, one per each seat, replacing the existing six multifunctional displays, plus a low-profile head-up display. These will be combined with a new digital video and data recorder and a new augmented reality helmet-mounted display,” Leonardo said, adding that this upgraded human-machine interface (HMI) will afford the crew a much more immersive experience, aiding situational awareness.