Indonesia Finalises Contract for 12 Leonardo M-346 F Trainer Jets, Delivery Set for 2030
The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia has officially announced the procurement of 12 Leonardo M-346 F Block 20 light multirole combat aircraft from Italy. The procurement of this defence equipment is intended to support operational readiness as well as the training of Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) pilots in operating the latest generation of fighter jets.
The signing of the cooperation contract was carried out at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta on Tuesday (21 July 2026). The ceremony was witnessed directly by President Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Defence Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, and the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Air Force (KASAU), Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono.
The trainer jet, manufactured by Italian defence producer Leonardo, is designed as an advanced trainer as well as a light combat aircraft. Its arrival is projected to become the backbone of TNI AU pilot training in order to accelerate the transition towards operating modern fighter jets.
The M-346 F Block 20 is the most advanced variant of the M-346 trainer jet family. The aircraft is equipped with two Honeywell/ITEC F124-GA-200 turbofan engines, a digital glass cockpit, and Head-Up Display (HUD) and Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) support compatible with the avionics of fourth and fifth generation fighter jets.
In addition to serving as a training platform, the M-346 F can be armed with air-to-air missiles, smart bombs, and an external cannon to carry out light combat missions. Globally, this type of aircraft has logged more than 170,000 flight hours and is used by various countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
This procurement aligns with plans for the arrival of various modern defence equipment, including Rafale fighter jets, Airbus A400M transport aircraft, and the latest generation of helicopters. With the arrival of the M-346 F, TNI AU pilots will be better prepared to face technological and operational transitions.
“This trainer platform will be a crucial bridge for young TNI AU pilots to master next-generation combat air systems,” Leonardo stated in its press release, quoted on Friday (24 July 2026).
In accordance with the terms of the contract, the delivery of all M-346 F units to Indonesia is scheduled to begin in 2030.