Italian Air Force kicks off M-345 trainer entry to service
Based on a requirement for 45 aircraft in all, Italy has so far ordered 18 M-345 units, to support the second and third phases of pilot training, while the M-346 delivers advanced training.
Based on a requirement for 45 aircraft in all, Italy has so far ordered 18 M-345 units, to support the second and third phases of pilot training, while the M-346 delivers advanced training.
The agreement marks the latest air defense export by Israel to Europe, despite its ongoing war in Gaza.
Slovakian fixed wing air transport capabilities are currently covered by seven aging L-410 light and two Leonardo C-27J Spartan medium tactical lift platforms, but both are due to be cut from service under a new transport aviation replacement effort.
Slovakia is set to become the first European operator of the Block 70-configured jets, initially agreeing to a 14 aircraft order for €1.58 billion ($1.8 billion) in December 2018.
UK armed forces minister James Heappey told lawmakers the UK was investigating giving Typhoons to countries that give MiGs to Ukraine, but experts said it's unclear how the MiGs could change the war and if any other countries would really want the Typhoons in the first place.
Under the Ringtausch program, Germany has sent newer equipment to Slovakia, Greece, Slovenia and the Czech Republic, with those countries shifting older gear to Ukraine.
Talk that Poland could send MiG-29s to Ukraine in exchange for the US sending F-16s to Warsaw is enticing to some, but questions about timing, maintenance and pilot availability will complicate it.