Leonardo Secures Contract to Supply 12 M-346 F Block 20 Aircraft to Austria

Leonardo has signed a contract with the Italian Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness for the supply of 12 M-346 multirole aircraft to the Austrian Air Force (Luftstreitkräfte). The programme addresses Austria’s requirements for national airspace protection as well as advanced training for military pilots.

The aircraft will be delivered in the light fighter configuration under the new M-346 F Block 20 standard. This configuration includes a cockpit equipped with a Large Area Display (LAD), an active electronically scanned array radar, Link 16 data-link, electronic countermeasures, and new weapons systems.

Training Systems and Long-Term Support Included
Beyond the aircraft, the contract includes a comprehensive training and support package. This covers simulation systems for pilot and maintenance technician training, an initial stock of spare parts, ground equipment, and logistical and maintenance support for six years following the delivery of the first aircraft, scheduled from 2028.

The agreement builds on an existing cooperation between Leonardo and the Austrian Ministry of Defence. In 2022 and 2023, contracts were signed for the supply of 36 AW169M Light Utility Helicopters. Austria has also selected the International Flight Training School (IFTS) in Decimomannu, Italy, to train its fighter pilots, where the M-346 is the backbone aircraft.

Replacing Saab 105 with a Dual-Role Platform
In Austrian service, the M-346 F Block 20 will replace the Saab 105, which was retired in 2020. The aircraft will fulfil a dual role, acting both as an advanced trainer and as a light fighter for lower-intensity operations.

The platform integrates an advanced flight training system that includes a Ground Based Training System (GBTS) and Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) training logic, combining simulated environments with real flight operations. At the same time, it offers light combat capabilities for air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, supported by advanced mission systems, sensors and aerial refuelling capability.

Growing International Adoption of the M-346
The M-346 has accumulated more than 150,000 flight hours, with close to 160 aircraft ordered worldwide. It is used by air forces in Europe and other regions to train pilots for high-performance fighter aircraft such as the Eurofighter, F-35 and next-generation combat air systems.

To date, 20 countries have selected the M-346 either for advanced pilot training or, in its fighter configuration, as a light multirole aircraft, reinforcing its position in the international military aviation market.

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