12 Leonardo M-346F Aircraft Will Strengthen Indonesian Air Force

Leonardo and PT E-System Solutions Indonesia have signed a contract to supply the Indonesian Ministry of Defense with 12 Leonardo M-346F Block 20 multi-role light fighter aircraft.

The Italian company announced the deal.

The contract, based on a letter of intent announced in February of this year, provides for the localization of maintenance and personnel training. Indonesia will become the 23rd operator of the aircraft in 2030.

The order is intended to replace the Hawk Mk 109 trainer aircraft and Hawk Mk 209 light attack aircraft currently in service with the Indonesian Air Force.

It will also enable the creation of a new training phase between basic jet training and advanced training on fighter aircraft such as the F-16 and Rafale.

“We’re here to stay and further expand our contribution and engagement, in both established and new sectors, to deliver the level of technology the country requires in its long-term aerospace and defence development roadmap.” said Leonardo CEO Lorenzo Mariani.

Leonardo M-346 F Block 20

The M-346F Block 20 is a modern jet trainer and light combat aircraft equipped with two Honeywell F124-GA-200 turbojet engines. Its maximum speed is approximately 1,065 km/h at low altitude, and its service altitude is 13,715 m. With three external fuel tanks, its range reaches about 2,220 km.

The M-346F is equipped with a four-channel digital fly-by-wire flight control system and is capable of maintaining controlled flight at an angle of attack exceeding 30 degrees, allowing cadets to practice high-angle-of-attack maneuvers without having to transition directly to more expensive combat fighters.

The combat version of the M-346F has seven external hardpoints and can carry over 2,000 kg of weapons, equipment, and external fuel tanks.

The fighters were spotted in various configurations carrying AIM-9 Sidewinder and IRIS-T air-to-air missiles, laser-guided bombs, free-fall bombs, air-to-ground missiles, containers with 12.7 mm machine guns and 20 mm cannons, as well as electronic warfare (EW) pods.

The aircraft is equipped with an active phased array radar, a Link 16 data link, Large Area Display (LAD), and integrated electronic warfare systems.

This platform supports the Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) network architecture—an integrated modern flight training system that combines simulation elements and scenarios with real flights, including a ground-based training system (GBTS).