Leonardo and Nexter, a company of KNDS, have jointly launched a development program aimed to introduce a new Gun Pod on the M-346 Fighter Attack (FA).
After a successful 10 months’ feasibility study, which has demonstrated the capability of adding a Link & Case Recovery (LCR) system to the M-346 FA, Leonardo and Nexter, a company of KNDS, have decided to pursue a joint development effort by integrating a new 20mm cannon pod to the M-346FA.
Modern air combat requires to provide fighter aircraft with caliber of cannon to address targets with explosive or penetrating shells. A 20 mm cannon offer an advantageous solution compared to 12.7 / .50 caliber in terms of range, precision and final effects. The 20M621 weapon solution, easy to integrate, use and maintain, is a NATO caliber ITAR free solution designed for air application. As others weapons, and systems developed and produced by Nexter for air domain, it is light and offers effectiveness and performance.
Nexter, major actor in the gun firing function in aeronautics domain, is one of the rare suppliers enabled to develop and produce Medium Caliber guns and ammunitions.
The M-346 FA is a ‘light combat’ version of the M-346 advanced trainer with multi-role capabilities including close air support missions, even in urban areas, battlespace air interdiction for national defence and tactical reconnaissance. The M-346 FA maintains all the features of a trainer aircraft with the addition of new generation equipment and sensors, making it an effective operational solution in the light combat role.
The aircraft is equipped with multi-mode Grifo-M-346 radar, developed by Leonardo and optimized for the M-346FA: a dependable, high-performing solution offering superior accuracy and enabling exceptional system modularity. The M-346FA is protected by a complete passive defence system (DASS - Defensive Aids Sub-System), while the integrated communication system and tactical datalink (TDL), which may also be integrated in a version compliant with NATO requirements, ensure the highest levels of interoperability.
The M-346FA can integrate different types of armaments and external loads, including air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions (such as IR, radar and/or laser/GPS- guided munitions), gun pods, and target reconnaissance and designation pods, integrated with Helmet Mounted Displays (HMD).
The integrated on-board tactical training simulation system – Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS) – can also be used in advanced and pre-operational training, offering a complete spectrum of simulated in-flight training operations in conjunction with the Integrated Training System (ITS) of the M-346, which has Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) functions. The M-346FA’s ability to refuel in flight enables it to perform long-range missions requiring greater autonomy and a high degree of endurance. The M-346FA allows operators to conduct multiple roles using a single platform. For example, the aircraft can effectively carry out Aggressor and Companion Trainer missions, offering users a highly flexible platform for today’s rapidly changing world.
Leonardo, a global high-technology company, is among the top world players in Aerospace, Defense and Security and Italy’s main industrial company. Organized into five business divisions, Leonardo has a significant industrial presence in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland, the USA and Israel where it also operates through subsidiaries that include Leonardo DRS (defense electronics), and joint ventures and partnerships: ATR, MBDA, Telespazio, Thales Alenia Space and Avio.
Leonardo competes in the most important international markets by leveraging its areas of technological and product leadership (Helicopters, Aircraft, Aerostructures, Electronics, Cyber & Security Solutions and Space).
In 2022 Leonardo recorded consolidated revenues of €14.7 billion and invested €2 billion in Research and Development. The company has been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010 and has been confirmed among the global sustainability leaders in 2022. Leonardo is also included in the MIB ESG index.
KNDS (KMW+NEXTER Defense Systems) is the result of the association of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter, two of the leading European manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France.
KNDS forms a Group of around 9,000 employees, with a 2022 turnover of 3.2 billion euro, an order backlog of around 11 billion euro and incoming orders of 3.4 billion euro. The range of its products includes main battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapons systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, battle management systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment.
The formation of KNDS represents the beginning of consolidation in land defense systems industry in Europe.
The strategic alliance between KMW and Nexter enhances both groups’ competitiveness and international positions, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national army. In addition, it offers to its European and NATO customers the opportunity of increased standardization and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a dependable industrial base.
KNDS headquarters are based in Amsterdam.
