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Brazilian Air Force and Navy are evaluating the acquisition of Italian M-346 Leonardo fighters to replace older models and modernize the country's air defense.
Brazil may be about to take a crucial strategic step in its military defense with the possible acquisition of the Leonardo M-346 fighter jets, manufactured in Italy. These state-of-the-art jets are designed for both advanced training and light attack missions, combining high technology with operational efficiency. The purchase of these fighter jets represents a potential game-changer for the Brazilian Air Force and even the Navy, contributing to strengthening national security and expanding the country’s defense capabilities. In addition, the selection of the M-346 strengthens diplomatic and technological ties between Brazil and Italy, opening the door to future strategic collaborations in the military area.
Italy's fighter jets aim to replace AMX and Skyhawk
The negotiation for the purchase of M-346 fighters for the Brazilian Air Force and Navy rekindles the historic partnership between the countries, marked by successes such as the AT-26 Xavante and the AMX, strengthening the search for innovation and military power on the global stage.
With high speed, weapons capacity and cutting-edge technologies, Italy's fighters emerge as an ideal replacement for obsolete models, such as the AMX and the Skyhawk. Furthermore, the arrival of this model could usher in a new era for the Brazilian Air Force and Navy.
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The M-346 fighters emerged from a collaboration between Italy's Alenia Aermacchi and Russia's Yakovlev. Although the partnership was dissolved, the project resulted in two distinct models, cementing the model as one of the market's leading light attack and training aircraft.
This connection with Italy dates back to the AT-26 Xavante, produced in Brazil under license by Embraer, and the AMX fighter, developed through the AMX Internacional consortium, joining efforts between Embraer and Alenia Aermacchi.
Italian fighter jets reach 1.090 km/h (Mach 0.95)
The M-346 fighters are powered by two Honeywell/ITEC F124 engines, reaching a maximum speed of 1.090 km. With the capacity to carry up to 3 tons of weapons in seven strategic points on its wings and fuselage, the future aircraft of the Brazilian Air Force and Navy offers flexibility for a variety of missions.
The ability to operate both smart pumps and missiles air-to-air and air-to-ground reinforces its appeal as an ideal replacement for the AMX, which is approaching retirement.
In 2022, the then commander of the Air Force, Brigadier Carlos Baptista Júnior, carried out a demonstration flight with the aircraft, suggesting initial interest from the FAB in the model. The interest was reinforced this year, during the Farnborough International Air Show, in London, when Defense Minister José Múcio was seen evaluating the jet.
Leonardo has formalized its offer to Brazil, highlighting the viability of Italy's fighters as a replacement for the AMX and, possibly, for the Navy's Douglas A-4 Skyhawk.
How many models will be purchased for the Brazilian Air Force and Navy?
Leonardo's proposal includes the sale of 24 units to the Brazilian Air Force and 6 to the Navy. However, there is one important point: Italy's fighters are not designed to operate from aircraft carriers. Despite this, the Navy appears to be willing to consider the model, as it has no immediate plans to purchase vessels capable of operating fighters of this size.
The flexibility of the M-346 fighter, especially in air strikes using Marte anti-ship missiles, makes it a valuable addition to naval defensive capabilities.
While the Brazilian Air Force and Navy are evaluating its purchase, the Leonardo M-346 is also being analyzed by the US Navy as a possible replacement for the McDonnell T-45 Goshawk.
This modified version for shipborne operations, if approved, will only be available after 2028, demonstrating the continued importance of the model in the global military scenario. For Brazil, the M-346 offers clear advantages such as greater defense against anti-ship missiles.
Brazil should buy better hunting, the country has a very large area, we already have the Sup.tucano.
A country of continental dimensions needs supersonic fighters. Since we already have the Super Tucano, a mistaken purchase
There is a supersonic version of this fighter, won't they buy it?