D&S 2019: Leonardo positions M-345 for Thailand

Leonardo is positioning its Alenia M-345 High Efficiency Trainer (HET) aircraft to meet a requirement in the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), the company confirmed to Jane’s at the Defense and Security (D&S) 2019 show in Bangkok.

The move is supported through Leonardo’s expanding profile in Thailand, demonstrated by a new contract awarded to the company to provide the RTAF with its RAT 31DL/M air- defence radar system.

Leonardo sees an opportunity to supply its M-345 jet trainer to Thailand to meet a requirement for a modern trainer/light attack aircraft. (Leonardo)

A Leonardo representative said the M-345 is being positioned for the RTAF programme to replace the service's Pilatus PC-9 turboprop training aircraft. The RTAF’s Flying Training School in Kamphaeng Saen has operated more than 20 PC-9s since the early 1990s. A formal programme to replace the type is expected to materialise in the next two years.

Leonardo said the M-345’s ability to perform a light attack role will provide additional capability to the RTAF above those offered by a traditional basic trainer platform.

The PC-9 replacement programme is regarded as a continuation of the RTAF’s efforts to modernise its training and light attack aircraft.

In recent years the RTAF has also acquired 12 T-50TH (Thailand) Golden Eagle advanced jet trainer/lead-in fighter trainer aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). Another four of the type are understood to be required.

The T-50TH is replacing the RTAF’s fleet of Czech Republic Aero L-39ZA Albatros trainers that were also procured in the early 1990s.