Indonesia Procures 12 M-346F Fighter Jets from Italy's Leonardo

Indonesia has signed a contract to purchase 12 M-346F Block 20 fighter aircraft manufactured by the Italian producer Leonardo. The Ministry of Defence is seeking to accelerate the renewal of the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ (TNI) principal weapons defence equipment (alutsista).

Head of the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Information Bureau, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, confirmed that the procurement of the fighter aircraft was carried out to meet operational needs and strengthen the readiness of the Indonesian Air Force fleet.

“The Ministry of Defence states that the cooperation with Leonardo is part of efforts to modernise defence equipment, carried out in accordance with the TNI’s operational needs and the applicable mechanisms,” said Rico in an official statement on Thursday (23/7/2026).

Rico explained that the M-346F fleet will not only serve as advanced jet trainers, but will also be prepared to accelerate the adaptation of Indonesian Air Force pilots to the latest generation of aviation technology.

This adjustment is considered important so that technology transfer and the operation of advanced fighter aircraft Indonesia will own in the future can proceed more quickly and optimally.

“Thus, the transition towards operating modern defence equipment can take place more effectively,” asserted Rico.

Beyond fulfilling defence equipment needs, the Ministry of Defence noted that cooperation with Leonardo also encompasses technology transfer, enhancing independent fleet maintenance capacity, human resource development, and strengthening the national defence industry ecosystem.

Regarding delivery, the first units of the M-346F Block 20 are projected to begin arriving in Indonesia in stages in 2030.

All potential defence cooperation will still be thoroughly assessed, taking into account the TNI’s operational needs, the state’s fiscal capacity, and technology transfer aspects.