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George Mihalcea
The Leonardo M-345 basic/advanced trainer aircraft has been introduced into the Italian Air Force’s (IAF’s) fleet of training aircraft, replacing older MB-339 and operating alongside the more advanced M-346 Lead In Fighter Trainer aircraft. Italy has ordered 18 of the aircraft, designated T-345A in Italian service, and has received four. The design builds on SIAI-Marchetti SF-260, the Aermacchi MB-326, and the Aermacchi MB-339 and it is now officially operational with the 61st Wing at Galatina (
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