U.S. company Honeywell announced that its joint venture, International Turbine Engine Co., was awarded a $52 million contract from Alenia Aermacchi. Under the deal, ITEC will supply its F124-GA-200 engines for installation with the M-346 advanced jet trainer.

The F124-GA-200 turbofan engine is based on the F124-GA-100 engine installed with the Czech Republic air force's L-159 multirole fighter aircraft. ITEC officials say the F124-GA-200 is designed to meet modern light combat trainer aircraft requirements.

"The design and durability of the ITEC F124 engine delivers an additional performance margin over other aircraft engines, allowing it to maintain aircraft specification thrust levels for a longer period of time," Dave Marinick, ITEC president, said in a statement.

"This enables the M-346 to provide a level of performance unrivaled by any other advanced jet trainer."