The T-346A twin-engine jet (Italian Air Force designation for the Aermacchi M-346) is the most advanced pre-operational trainer in service in the world today. With fully digital flight controls and avionics, carefree manoeuvrability at high angles of attack, the T-346A is designed for training pilots destined for fourth and fifth-generation aircraft. It also allows for significant cost savings because it can conduct a large part of the training programme previously done on more demanding aircraft.

The T-346A is an integrated training system that includes the aircraft itself and a ground-based segment consisting of various simulation systems.
The LVC (Live, Virtual, and Constructive) philosophy, a cornerstone of the system, enables pilots to operate simultaneously and in a combined manner in real flight (Live) and on various types of simulators (Virtual), interfacing with all computer-generated threat forces (Constructive). 

It is used for the Phase IV of training (Lead-In to Fighter Training – LIFT), which precedes subsequent deployment to fighter aircraft. It is designed and entirely manufactured in Italy by Alenia Aermacchi, now part of Leonardo Aircraft.