France’s DGA defense procurement agency has called for expressions of interest in supplying a new basic trainer to the French air force. Some 20 to 25 aircraft may be acquired.

The plan is to replace some existing Alpha Jets that were not upgraded for continued service as an advanced jet trainer. Alenia Aermacchi told AIN that its M-345 High Efficiency Trainer (HET) would be the ideal candidate. The single-turbofan jet would offer a long-term solution, including an Embedded Tactical Training Simulation (ETTS) suite and a comprehensive Ground Based Training System (GBTS) package, according to the Italian company.

Other potential candidates are the Aero Vodochody L39NG jet and the Pilatus PC-21 turboprop. The latter was reportedly favoured by French air force chief Gen Denis Mercier.