Leonardo announced in a press release on 17 February that its Mirach 40 (M-40) target drone had flown its first live missions during a recent training exercise, simulating missile attacks against naval vessels and fighter jets in air-to-air combat scenarios. The exercise involved the Italian Navy aircraft carrier Cavour with its complement of AV-8B+ fighter aircraft training alongside the destroyer Mimbelli.
Alberto Pietra of Leonardo's Airborne & Space Systems Division said privately funded development of the M-40 began four years ago as a more cost-effective solution to the larger Mirach 100/5 for simulating a range of radar, infrared, and visual threats.