Leonardo and PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia have signed a contract to provide the Indonesian Ministry of Defence with 12 M-346 F “Block 20” multirole light fighter aircraft to meet Indonesian Air Force operational requirements, the company stated.
The agreement follows a Letter of Intent announced in February this year and includes the localisation of a range of support, maintenance, overhaul and training capabilities, alongside human capital development. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2030. According to the company, the programme will contribute to the Indonesian Ministry of Defence’s fleet modernisation plan, with the aircraft providing multirole combat capabilities and enabling advanced training for Indonesian pilots.
Indonesia becomes the 23rd user of the M-346 and the first in Asia to adopt the new Block 20 standard, which has previously been introduced in Europe and North America. The order comes eight months after the first contract for the latest version of the aircraft.
Lorenzo Mariani, Leonardo CEO and General Manager, was quoted in the press release as saying: “The introduction of the M-346 F in Indonesia provides clear evidence not only of the aircraft system’s inherent quality but also of the country’s continued and yet growing trust in our capabilities across domains. 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.”
The M-346 F Block 20 configuration features cockpits with a Large Area Display, an active electronically scanned array radar, a Link 16 data link, electronic countermeasures and new weapons systems. The aircraft offers an integrated advanced flight training system, including a Ground Based Training System that combines simulated elements and scenarios with real flights under a Live, Virtual and Constructive approach. Light combat capabilities for air-to-air and air-to-surface missions are enabled by mission systems, equipment and sensors, including an aerial refuelling capability.
The M-346 has logged more than 170,000 flight hours, with over 170 aircraft ordered to date. The type is used by air forces worldwide, including in Asia, to train pilots for high-performance, latest-generation fighters and to prepare the transition towards next-generation combat air systems. It also serves at Italy’s International Flight Training School and performs tactical operations as a light multirole fighter. The Italian Air Force has selected the M-346 as the future aircraft for the Frecce Tricolori, Italy’s national aerobatic team.
Leonardo employs more than 62,000 people worldwide across the electronics, helicopters, aircraft, cyber and security, and space sectors, with a significant industrial presence in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland and the United States. The company recorded new orders of €23.8 billion in 2025 and an order backlog of €46.6 billion.
Why arent we replacing the hawk with this?
A quick Google says the cost of the light fighter block 20 is Euro 80 million. That’s a lot……
The cost difference between the basic trainer and the light combat versions is staggering more than doubling the unit cost. Austria is spending €1.5b on 12, including simulators,support and armament. But they plan to use them partly to regenerate pilot training. Expensive way to do that.
Isn’t Indonesia the nation with the meme air force that have aircraft from over a half dozen different nations?
Those poor logistics crews