Recently, Italian aerospace company Leonardo invited the media for Taiwan to Italy for a visit to its M-346 production facilities and the company disclosed its attempt to sell its M-346 advanced jet trainer to Taiwan.
By Peter Bakema [GFDL 1.2 or GFDL 1.2], via Wikimedia Commons
Leonardo said it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Taiwan’s state-owned Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation to supply 66 M-346s to the Republic of China Air Force.
Giovanni Timossi, a sales manager with the company, said he traveled to Taiwan numerous times to discuss the contract and it was agreed that Italy would build the first 4-6 aircraft and the rest will be assembled in Taiwan with 50% components made in Italy.
Italy also agreed to transfer relevant technology to Taiwan for the program.
We reported back in 2013 that Taiwan was interested in getting the M-346 to replace its AT-3.
Next M-346 customer will be Taiwan?
— Alert 5 (@alert5) December 25, 2013