Aeronautica Militare: phase out MB339A and phase in T-345A
On 12 June 2025, the military airport of Galatina (LE) marked a historic moment for the Aeronautica Militare (ItAF, Italian Air Force), as the Aermacchi MB339A (FT-339A) made way for its successor, the Leonardo T-345A.
After nearly 45 years of service and over 340.000 flight hours dedicated to training thousands of Italian and international military pilots, the MB339A was formally phased out. This transition was symbolised by a formation flight: MB339A (FT-339A) MM54465/61-116, adorned with special retirement markings, flew alongside three T-345s before climbing away, representing the end of the MB339A’s training mission.
The MB339 was developed in the 1970s to meet an Italian Air Force requirement for a replacement for the ageing fleet of Aermacchi MB326s. Rather than designing an entirely new aircraft, Aermacchi evolved the MB339 from the MB326, resulting in a high degree of design similarity between the two.
Aermacchi demonstrated that the MB339 could fulfill all operational requirements while offering the most cost-effective solution. The aircraft made its maiden flight on 12 August 1976, piloted by test pilot Franco Bonazzi, and the first production units were delivered two years later.
Roughly half of all MB339s entered service with the Italian Air Force, while the remainder were sold to various export customers, including Argentina, Malaysia, New Zealand and Nigeria. The aircraft is also operated by the renowned Italian aerobatic display team, the 'Frecce Tricolori'. A total of 230 aircraft were built in various versions.
The Leonardo T-345A will be used at the 61° Stormo, initially by the 214° Gruppo during phase II, 'Primary Pilot Training', and later also by the 213° Gruppo during phase III, 'Military Pilot License', which currently continues with the MB339CD.
The MB339A fleet is being phased out, with some airframes placed in reserve and others transferred to Leonardo at Venegono (VA) to served as a source of spare parts for the MB339A/PAN aircraft used by 'Frecce Tricolori'.
Credit photos: Aeronautica Militare