Indonesia to Sign M-346 Aircraft Purchase Contract in July 2026, Replacing F-16

Manufacturer Leonardo currently has three customers for the M-346F Block 20 aircraft, as reported by EDR Magazine on Monday (15/6/2026). The International Test Pilot School Canada will receive six advanced M-346T jet trainer aircraft, with an option for six more, for use at the International Tactical Training Centre in North Bay, Ontario; that order was announced in May 2026. Austria, meanwhile, ordered 12 M-346F light fighter aircraft in December 2025 to serve both training and national airspace defence roles. Indonesia selected the M-346F for light combat and pilot training in late 2025, and signed a letter of intent at the Singapore Air Show in February 2026 with Leonardo to acquire 18 units, subsequently increased to 36 M-346F aircraft. The twin-engine Italian jet was chosen by Indonesia over competitors from TAI Hurjet and Korean Aerospace Industries FA-50. Modernisation is underway within the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU), largely through defence aerospace company PT E-Systems, which has been tasked with acquiring the new-generation trainer aircraft in its role as a defence contractor. PT-E Systems Solutions will support maintenance, logistics, and tactical flight operations as part of the TNI AU Air Warfare Centre currently being established. According to a senior management source at PT E-Systems, the company will also integrate an indigenously designed Self Protection Jammer, integrate and qualify the Diehl IRIS-T short-range air-to-air missile, integrate a domestically produced data link for targeting and cue distribution, and incorporate the locally made MK-V Delta light cruise missile.