Mariani said the M-346 was experiencing a “fantastic moment.” He linked that momentum to product upgrades developed during recent years.
Those changes include a light-fighter configuration, a new cockpit and upgraded aircraft variants. Mariani said the investments had helped Leonardo secure stronger market results.
He expects the favorable trend to continue. The CEO made the comments during Leonardo’s second-quarter 2026 earnings call.
Leonardo is also competing for the U.S. Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System program. The procurement could give the M-346 a larger position in the U.S. military aviation market.
Mariani pushed back against suggestions that Leonardo had an easy path. He said another competitor remained in the contest.
“The U.S. market is a very challenging one,” Mariani said. Leonardo plans to pursue the competition through the final stage.
Mariani said U.S. competitions also provide lessons about procurement processes and aircraft development. He did not provide details on the contract value, aircraft numbers or award schedule.
The campaign will test Leonardo’s ability to convert the M-346’s international momentum into a major U.S. defense order. Mariani said the company sees an opportunity, while acknowledging that substantial work remains.
