According to the Azeri Defense newspaper, Turkmenistan ordered the M-346 Master advanced training aircraft and eight AW139 multi-role medium helicopters. Both types of aircraft are manufactured by the Leonardo Company.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Turkmenistan reported that Turkmenistan has signed a contract with Leonardo Company to build six M-346s and eight AW139s worth 446 million euros.
Sources close to Turkmenistan MoD told GDC that it had ordered four M-346FA and two M-346 DR/ FT variant for 293 million euros.
Moreover, the AW139 twin-engine multi-role helicopters have already been in service in Turkmenistan since 2011. This new order would complement and enhance the existing line.
As for the M-346 aircraft, it should be remembered that in 2018 a presentation of the Master in Turkmenistan was held by Leonardo at the Maryam-2 base. In that context, the advanced trainer was subjected to tests and evaluations by the Turkmen authorities.
It should be noted that Azerbaijan in February of this year, as part of intergovernmental agreements between Baku and Rome, also signed a memorandum for the purchase of M-346 aircraft.
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