Leonardo is exhibiting the new fighter attack version of the M-346, the M-346FA, for the first time at International Paris Air Show, which opened its door to its visitors today. M-346FA took its place next to the two existing variants of the aircraft; the Advanced Jet Trainer and the multi-role M-346FT (Fighter Trainer).

Leonardo equipped this new variant with the Grifo multi-mode fire control radar, designed and manufactured by the company itself. The Grifo-346 will be able to track up to 10 targets simultaneously in Track-While-Scan (TWS) mode, will have a maximum range beyond 50 nautical miles (92 km) in the Look-Up mode and a sub-metric resolution in the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mode. The M-346FA will be able to carry out air-to-surface, air-to-air and tactical reconnaissance missions as well as its advanced and pre-operational training roles. 

The aircraft will be able to carry Mk 82 bombs, laser guided bombs (such as the GBU-12 Paveway II, the GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II and the Paveway IV, Lizard 2+ and 4), GPS guided JDAMs (such as the GBU-38 and the Lizard 4), short range air-to-surface missiles like the MBDA Brimstone and anti-ship missiles like the MBDA Marte ER. In addition, the aircraft will be able to employ Air-to-Air, infra-red guided missiles (such as the AIM-9L/X Sidewinder and the IRIS-T). The M- 346FA will be able to carry over 2,000 kg of external payload.

M-346 is equipped with an in-flight refuelling system that can further enhance its patrol time and range. The new variant will also be able to carry auxiliary fuel tanks.