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 from Italian manufacturer Leonardo. The Ministry of Defence is seeking to accelerate the modernisation of the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ (TNI) primary weaponry systems. Head of the Ministry’s Defence Information Bureau, Brigadier General TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, confirmed that the procurement is intended to meet operational needs and strengthen the readiness of the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU). “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 requirements and applicable mechanisms,” Rico said in an official statement on Thursday. He explained that the M-346F fleet will not only function as advanced training aircraft but is also prepared to accelerate the adaptation of TNI AU pilots to the latest generation of aviation technology. This adjustment is considered crucial to ensure that the transfer of technology and the operation of advanced fighter aircraft owned by Indonesia in the future can proceed more swiftly and optimally. “Thus, the transition process towards operating modern defence equipment can take place more effectively,” Rico stressed. Beyond fulfilling equipment needs, the Ministry noted that the cooperation with Leonardo also includes technology transfer, enhancement of independent fleet maintenance capacity, human resource development, and strengthening of the national defence industry ecosystem. The first units of the M-346F Block 20 fighter aircraft are projected to arrive in Indonesia gradually starting in 2030.