M346 scepticism
I will first state that I think the M346 is a beautiful aircraft and a great training jet. If the UK had looked for other options in the early 2000’s then the 346 would have been a very strong contender. But that was over 20 years ago already.
In reality though it is currently just a prettier, more manoeuvrable Hawk but with much less internal fuel. So much so that when we did BFM against it they were RTB’ing while we had half our fuel left.
Its avionics and capabilities are basically the same as a T2 as well.
My scepticism of Leonardo also relates to the fact that they have hitherto only produced small orders and their production rate is not super fast.
If we are to look at a new training jet it needs to be one that will remain relevant through to the end of the manned fighter era.
T50 is epic (basically an F16) but probably a little over egged in terms of trainer capability.
T7 seems to be the obvious option and with BAE now onboard seems like a political no brainer. That’s not to say its own delays are not a concern.
The L-39 and PC21 fall into the cheaper, more basic options. Of the two of those I’d recommend the PC21. Not least because you could ditch the Grob 120 and Texan and just have one type from EFT to OCU.
That would not be implausible but would certainly upset the veterans of Pprune!
BV