PAS 2023: Leonardo and Nexter to Develop New Gun Pod for M-346FA 

Leonardo and Nexter have jointly launched a development programme aimed at introducing a new 20 mm cannon-armed gun pod for the Fighter Attack (FA) variant of Leonardo’s M-346 advanced jet trainer, the two companies announced at the Paris Air Show on 21 June 2023.

The decision to jointly develop the new gun pod was made following a successful 10-month feasibility study, which demonstrated the capability of adding a link and case recovery system to the M-346FA. The aircraft can currently carry a FN Herstal HMP250 gun pod on its centreline stores station, but this pod only houses a 12.7 mm machine gun.

“Modern air combat requires to provide fighter aircraft with a calibre of cannon to address targets with explosive or penetrating shells,” Leonardo stated in a press release. “A 20 mm cannon offers an advantageous solution compared to 12.7 mm/.50 cal in terms of range, precision and final effects. The 20M621 weapon solution, easy to integrate, use and maintain, is a NATO-calibre, ITAR-free solution designed for air applications. As others weapons, and systems developed and produced by Nexter for air domain, it is light and offers effectiveness and performance.”

“Leonardo is strongly convinced that Nexter is the right partner,” Emanuele Merlo, senior vice president for trainer aircraft at Leonardo Aircraft, was quoted as saying. He added that Nexter’s 20 mm gun pod integration will boost the combat responsiveness of the M-346FA in homeland defence, counter-insurgency, and close air support/close-in combat missions.

Philippe Reynes, head of weapon systems and turret programmes at Nexter Systems, said, “We are proud of the relationship of trust we have built up with Leonardo by taking the constraints specific to aerial platforms very seriously. For example, the safety of these platforms is ensured by the fact that our pod recovers all the links and casings after firing. Plus, the NC621 is mechanically harmonised to guarantee maximum precision for the pilot. This system is an example of our expertise as a medium-calibre weapon manufacturer.”

Peter Felstead