Indonesia Signs Contract for 12 Leonardo M-346 F Block 20 Combat Training Aircraft

JAKARTA - To support the operational readiness of the latest generation fighter jet and support the training of the Indonesian Air Force pilots, the Indonesian Ministry of Defense officially announced the procurement of 12 units of Leonardo M-346 F Block 20 multi-role light fighter aircraft.

This cooperation is part of the national alutsista modernization program. The Leonardo M-346 fighter jet is said to be the backbone of TNI AU pilot training, as well as accelerating the transition to the operation of the latest generation fighter aircraft.

The signing of the contract was carried out at the Presidential Palace, Central Jakarta, Tuesday (21/7), witnessed directly by the President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force, Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono.

M-346 F Block 20 Aircraft Specifications

The M-346 F aircraft is the latest variant of the fighter training jet family produced by the Italian company, Leonardo. Designed as an advanced trainer and light combat aircraft, this aircraft has multi-role capabilities that allow training and simulation of real battles.

Some key specifications:

Engine: Twin-engine turbofan Honeywell/ITEC F124-GA-200, providing high thrust and fuel efficiency. Avionics: Digital glass cockpit system with Head-Up Display (HUD), Helmet Mounted Display (HMD), and compatibility with 4th and 5th generation fighter avionics systems. Weapon System: Can be armed with air-to-air missiles, smart bombs, and external cannons, making it a training aircraft as well as a light fighter. Performance: Maximum speed approaching Mach 1, flexible combat radius, and high maneuverability for air combat simulation. Global Flight Hours: To date, the M-346 has recorded more than 170,000 flight hours with more than 170 units ordered by various countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Strategic Context

This procurement is in line with the plan for the arrival of various modern alutsista, including the Rafale fighter aircraft, Airbus A400M transport aircraft, and the latest generation helicopters. With the presence of the M-346 F, the TNI AU pilots will be more ready to face the technological and operational transition.

"This trainer platform will be an important bridge for young TNI AU pilots to master the next generation of combat air systems," Leonardo wrote in a press release.

Based on the contract, the delivery of 12 units of M-346 F to Indonesia is scheduled for 2030.