Israel reaches $1B preliminary deal to buy 30 Italian M-346 training jets

Israel has reached a $1 billion preliminary deal to buy 30 Italian military training jets, Israeli defense officials said Thursday, providing a long-awaited upgrade to what is widely viewed as the most advanced air force in the Middle East.Israel announced it would buy the M-346, made by the Italian company Alenia Aermacchi and designed for low-cost flights.

The aircraft will replace American Skyhawks, which the Israeli Air Force has trained with for 40 years. As early as 2008, the Israeli air force announced it needed to replace the antiquated jets.

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