Indonesia has chosen Leonardo’s M-346 aircraft to fulfill its pilot training and light combat needs, the Italian aerospace company confirmed on Tuesday. The move is expected to lead to the acquisition of around 24 aircraft, which would replace the Indonesian Air Force’s aging Hawk jets.
According to Leonardo, Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense selected the M-346 F Block 20 variant, a light fighter configuration of the platform. The announcement was made during the Singapore Airshow. The company also revealed it has entered into a Letter of Intent with PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia and the Indonesian Ministry of Defence to collaborate on the delivery and long-term support of the aircraft.
This cooperation would cover areas such as maintenance, overhaul services, and pilot and technical training to meet the operational needs of the Indonesian Air Force. Leonardo stated that discussions will now progress toward finalizing a procurement agreement in the near future.
The M-346 F Block 20 features advanced systems including a large-area cockpit display, an active electronically scanned array radar, Link 16 data connectivity, electronic warfare capabilities, and upgraded weapons integration. Originally designed as an advanced trainer, the M-346 is currently in service with air forces in Italy, Singapore, Israel, Poland, Qatar, and Greece.
The light fighter version has also been exported to Turkmenistan, Nigeria, and most recently Austria, which placed an order for 12 aircraft in December. This variant is equipped with seven external hardpoints, allowing it to carry air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, as well as targeting pods integrated with helmet-mounted display systems.
