Defence Ministry Explains Purchase of Italian M-346F Fighter Jets

The Ministry of Defence has explained the reasons behind the purchase of 12 M-346F Block 20 light multirole fighter jets from the Italian aerospace and defence company Leonardo. Head of the Defence Information Bureau, Brigadier General Rico Sirait, stated that the procurement of the defence equipment was based on capability requirements. “The procurement of the M-346F is intended to meet the needs of advanced pilot training, while also supporting operational readiness,” Rico said via a WhatsApp message on Thursday, 23 July 2026. With the acquisition of this new defence equipment, he noted, it is hoped that Indonesian Air Force pilots will be able to adapt better to the modern technology aircraft that will be operated. Rico also emphasised that the procurement of the M-346F fighter jets from Italy does not disrupt the procurement of Rafale fighter jets from France, for which a contract was signed earlier. He continued that the different countries of origin for the defence equipment are not related, as each platform has different functions and roles in building the defence posture. “The two platforms complement each other, not replace each other,” Rico stated. The contract signing for the purchase of 12 M-346F fighter jets was announced by Leonardo on Tuesday, 21 July 2026. The contract was signed between Leonardo and PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia. In an official statement, Leonardo mentioned that the procurement of the defence equipment is a follow-up to the Letter of Intent (LoI) signed by each party in February 2026. Previously, Indonesia officially purchased 42 Rafale fighter jets from the French aerospace company Dassault Aviation. The purchase contract, worth approximately Rp 132 trillion, was agreed upon in stages, with six units having arrived in Indonesia in May 2026.