Leonardo Signs Letter of Intent with Indonesia for M-346 F Aircraft to Support Air Force Training and Combat Needs

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Partnership includes aircraft supply, support, maintenance, training, and human capital development.

Leonardo-Indonesia M-346 F Aircraft Letter of Intent Signing Ceremony.

Leonardo-Indonesia M-346 F Aircraft Letter of Intent Signing Ceremony.

Indonesia-Leonardo M346 F Trainer Aircraft Deal: Rome / Singapore Airshow 2026, February 4, 2026 – Leonardo, in partnership with PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Republic of Indonesia, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to supply and support the Leonardo M-346 F “Block 20” aircraft for the Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU).

The LOI follows the MoD’s selection of the M-346 to modernize its air fleet and replace aging aircraft types, including the Hawk, enhancing Indonesia’s training and light combat capabilities.

Advanced Capabilities of the M-346 F Block 20

The M-346 F in its “Block 20” light fighter configuration combines advanced training and combat features:

Cockpit & Avionics: Large Area Display (LAD) cockpits, electronic countermeasures, Link 16 data-link.

Weapons & Combat: Light multirole capabilities for air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, with aerial refueling capability.

Integrated Training System: Ground-Based Training System (GBTS) with Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) simulation for realistic, scenario-based pilot training.

Performance: High maneuverability and advanced mission systems, supporting both training and operational light combat roles.

The M-346 platform has accumulated over 150,000 flight hours across nearly 160 aircraft sold globally, providing advanced flight training for multiple air forces in Asia and worldwide.

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Leonardo's M-346 F Trainer Aircraft.

Leonardo’s M-346 F Trainer Aircraft.

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Localisation and Human Capital Development

The LOI includes plans to localize support, maintenance, overhaul, and training capabilities in Indonesia.

The partnership also emphasizes human capital development, ensuring long-term capability building within the Indonesian Air Force and aerospace sector.

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Proven Success Globally

The M-346 is a cornerstone of advanced flight training systems, helping air forces transition pilots to next-generation fighter aircraft.

Over 20 countries train their pilots on the M-346 or use the fighter variant as a light multirole aircraft.

Selected by the Italian Air Force for the “Frecce Tricolori” aerobatic team due to its high performance and maneuverability.

This LOI represents a key step in modernizing Indonesia’s air capabilities, combining training, operational readiness, and local industrial development, while leveraging Leonardo’s global expertise in advanced fighter-trainer aircraft.

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