The new Leonardo M-346 for the Frecce Tricolori was unveiled during a celebration marking their return from a successful North America tour. From June until just a few days ago, the Italian National Aerobatic Team performed in 9 air shows and 17 flyovers at iconic locations in Canada and the United States, showcasing the values, technology, professionalism, and teamwork of the Italian Air Force to thousands of spectators.
On Thursday, September 12, at the Italian Air Force base in Istrana, home of the 51st Wing, the Frecce Tricolori were welcomed back in traditional fashion after raising the Italian flag high beyond national borders during the NAT24 tour. The event was attended by the Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, Chief of Defense Staff Admiral Cavo Dragone, Chief of Staff of the Italian Air Force Luca Goretti, and other top military and civilian officials.
The North American Tour 2024, following careful and complex planning, began in late June 2024 with the Frecce Tricolori’s first challenging transatlantic flight to Canada. From there, they carried the Italian colors to the skies over some of North America’s most iconic locations until early September.
It had been 32 years since the “Columbus 92” tour, commemorating the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America, that the Frecce Tricolori last performed in North American skies. Everywhere they performed or flew, the iconic Italian flag formation created by the ten MB-339 aircraft left an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to witness their performances.
Ten aircraft that, together, carve the sky with a single soul, reflecting the experience of pilots and specialists—men and women—all striving toward the common goal of carrying the Italian flag with warmth and showcasing the best of Italian industry. The Frecce Tricolori instill pride and inspire younger generations to dream of being part of this tradition, which began in 1961 and has since become a global symbol of Italian excellence, thanks to the dedicated personnel who have served over the years.
The Macchi MB-339 aircraft, used by the Frecce Tricolori for years, has been a globally distinguished aircraft. It is capable of executing maneuvers like the “Lomcevak,” which is virtually impossible for other aircraft in its class. Its reliability and longevity have made it a hallmark, training generations of Italian and international pilots for decades.
However, the time has come to move forward, and on the day the Frecce Tricolori were welcomed back, the successor to the MB-339 was officially presented: the Leonardo M-346, a flagship of Italian industry, with a livery designed by Pininfarina. This livery draws inspiration from past designs and features geometries that, when in formation, create a unified body with a singular soul, reflecting the essence of the National Aerobatic Team.
Once again, the choice has been made to fly an aircraft entirely designed and manufactured in Italy. The M-346, known as the T-346A in the Italian Air Force, already serves as the backbone of advanced pilot training for fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft.
The M-346, which will be introduced to the Frecce Tricolori in the coming years, will breathe new life into the 313th Aerobatic Training Squadron. It will allow the team to retain some classic maneuvers while adding new ones to showcase the aircraft’s impressive performance at its fullest potential.
While change can sometimes be difficult to embrace, especially when an aircraft has evoked emotion across generations, there is no doubt that the M-346 will earn the same admiration and affection as its predecessor. Its new livery may amplify the transition, but it will surely win over hearts in due time.
General Goretti, Chief of Staff of Italian Air Force explained that “the Aerobatic Team does not belong solely to the Air Force, but to the entire nation of Italy. The effort behind such demanding activities involves many people working intensively, but the result and the passion are what keep us going and make us proud of what we do. This applies not only to the Frecce Tricolori’s North America Tour but also to all the complex activities that see us engaged far from home, like the recent Indo-Pacific Air Campaign, which involved numerous air assets and military units.”
Commenting on the future of the Frecce Tricolori, Gen. Goretti emphasized the importance of maintaining the team’s traditions, stating that certain iconic maneuvers would remain, as they are part of its history. However, the new aircraft’s capabilities will inspire “even greater Italian creativity in drawing new and exciting formations in the sky.”
Article and images: Aviation Report / Simone Vicari (M-346), Italian Air Force Press Office