By Tzvi Lev/TPS
Hatzerim (TPS) – The final three Lavi M-346 trainer aircraft were presented to Israel at an official ceremony marking the completion of a procurement deal between Israel and Italy.
“I can’t remember a deal of this size that was completed without delays and with so much appreciation,” said Defense Ministry Deputy Director General Shmuel Tzuker. “The Lavi contract opened opportunities for deals between Israeli, American, and Italian industries. The Israeli Air Force is now the world’s largest user of the M-346 aircraft and we love it and believe in it.”
The ceremony was held at Hatzerim Air Force Base near Beer Sheva and was attended by both Israeli and Italian officials, including Defense Ministry Director General Udi Adam and Mauro Moretti, the creator of the plane.
Israel had signed an agreement with Italy in 2012 to the tune of NIS 4 billion that would provide Israel with 30 planes. The first plane arrived in 2014 and the rest were delivered at a rate of 1.5 planes a month.
Italy also committed to buying a substantial amount of Israeli defense products as part of the deal.