Austria orders 12 newest M-346 combat aircraft from Italy
On 21 May, the Italian Ministry of Defence confirmed the signing of an intergovernmental agreement for the supply of 12 Leonardo M-346 FA (Block 20) light combat aircraft for the Austrian Armed Forces. The agreement also provides for the possibility of purchasing 12 more units in the future.
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The contract also covers a full package of weapons and training equipment, including a mission simulator, IRIS-T short-range missiles, Link 16 data link, 20 mm Nexter gun modules, LAU-32 launchers and Elbit SPEAR self-defence systems, which provide electronic warfare capabilities.
The deal is a logical continuation of Austria's fleet modernisation plans, which began in December 2024 with the signing of a Letter of Intent. The new aircraft will replace the outdated Saab-105OEs, which were decommissioned in 2020.
The M-346 FA has been a priority for the Austrian military due to its versatility. The aircraft performs several key tasks at once: combat training of pilots using real weapons, support for JTAC training, air support for ground forces and air reconnaissance thanks to modern sensors and AESA radar.
A T-346A trainer aircraft. Illustration: Alenia
In addition, the M-346 FA will assist the Austrian Air Force's main fighter, the Eurofighter Typhoon, in intercepting slow-moving targets, including drones, helicopters and light aircraft. This is particularly important given the growing threat from UAVs, which could overwhelm the existing fleet of 15 fighters.
All new aircraft will be equipped with an air-to-air refuelling system compatible with Austria's order for the KC-390, a refuelling aircraft that will enhance the country's long-range air patrol capability.
Austria is the first country to order the M-346 FA in the new Block 20 version. It will receive the aircraft with a fully updated cockpit: a large LAD touch panel, low-profile projection displays and helmet-mounted HMDs. The advanced AESA radar installed on the Block 20 will provide better target detection range than the current Grifo-346.
Source: Defence Industry Europe
