Indonesia Orders 12 Leonardo M-346F Block 20 Light Fighter Jets
The Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) is preparing to welcome a new fleet after Leonardo officially announced a deal for a dozen M-346F Block 20 light fighter aircraft this week. Leonardo’s CEO and General Manager, Lorenzo Mariani, stated that the introduction of the M-346F in Indonesia marks a significant moment for the partnership between the two parties. “The introduction of the M-346F in Indonesia provides tangible evidence not only of the intrinsic quality of the aircraft system but also of the country’s continued and growing trust in our capabilities across multiple domains,” Mariani said. The company added that the value of the sale includes not only the aircraft units but also the localisation of various support, maintenance, repair, and training capabilities, as well as human resource development in Indonesia. While the Italian-made M-346 family is more popularly known as an advanced jet trainer, the ‘F’ variant ordered by Indonesia is a robust multirole light fighter. This variant is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, Link 16 data link, seven hardpoints, air-to-air refuelling capability, and electronic countermeasures. The first M-346F unit is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta in 2030. The deal makes Indonesia the 23rd M-346 operator globally and the first customer in Asia to use the latest Block 20 variant. The arrival of the M-346F will add to Indonesia’s highly varied air combat fleet. The TNI AU is currently in the process of integrating Dassault Rafale fighter jets from France, complementing an existing mixed fleet that includes US-made F-16s, Russian-made Su-27s and Su-30s, and South Korean-made T-50is. Indonesia is also involved in the joint development of the KF-21 fighter with South Korea, and the Defence Minister has previously expressed interest in acquiring China’s J-10, which would make the Indonesian Air Force one of the most complex and diverse in the world if all plans materialise.