The first Leonardo M-346 for Frecce Tricolori, has emerged at Leonardo’s production facility in Venegono, northern Italy, marking a major milestone in the modernisation of the Italian Air Force’s famous display team.
The aircraft was photographed at the facility after its rollout on 16 October, wearing the distinctive green, white and red livery designed by the Italian design house Pininfarina. The aircraft does not yet display its individual formation number or the team’s familiar tail markings.
The M-346 will replace the Aermacchi MB-339PAN, which has been the Frecce Tricolori’s display aircraft since 1982. After more than four decades of service, the MB-339 is approaching the end of its remarkable career with the team, having become synonymous with Italy’s national colours and spectacular aerobatic performances.
The selection of the M-346 was officially announced on 12 September 2024 at Istrana Air Base, during a ceremony celebrating the return of the Frecce Tricolori from their North American tour. On that occasion, the Italian Air Force also unveiled the new Pininfarina-designed livery, developed around the concept of the “Renaissance of the Tricolour.”
Unlike the aircraft displayed during the 2024 presentation, which was an existing Italian Air Force M-346 painted in the new scheme, the jet now seen at Venegono is the first aircraft produced specifically for the aerobatic team.
The Italian Air Force plans to acquire 15 M-346 aircraft for the Frecce Tricolori, including aircraft for the main formation, the team's commander and reserve duties. The programme forms part of a wider acquisition of additional M-346s for Italian military aviation.
Deliveries to the team are expected to begin in 2027, with 2028 identified as the target for its first full display season using the new aircraft.
The Leonardo M-346 Master is a twin-engine advanced jet trainer already used by the Italian Air Force for preparing pilots for modern combat aircraft. Designated T-346A in Italian service, it features digital avionics and a quadruple-redundant fly-by-wire flight-control system.
The transition from the single-engine MB-339 to the twin-engine M-346 will require the Frecce Tricolori to adapt their established display programme. The aircraft’s different performance and handling characteristics will demand extensive training and careful development of aerobatic routines.
The M-346 aircraft assigned to the team will also receive specialised equipment, including a coloured-smoke system essential to the Frecce Tricolori’s signature performances.
The appearance of the first M-346 in its dedicated Frecce Tricolori livery represents a tangible step towards the team's next generation. While the MB-339 remains an important part of its legacy, the new aircraft promises to combine modern aerospace technology with the traditions that have made the Italian display team internationally renowned.
As preparations continue, aviation enthusiasts can look forward to the gradual transition towards the M-346 and the prospect of seeing the new aircraft trace Italy’s green, white and red colours across the skies in the coming years.
