Austria has signed a contract with Italian manufacturer Leonardo for the supply of 12 M-346 F Block 20 aircraft for the Austrian Air Force (Luftstreitkräfte), marking the industrial formalization of a program whose political decision and intergovernmental framework had already been defined between Vienna and Rome.
The contract, officially announced by Leonardo on December 17, 2025, was signed through the Italian Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness. It covers not only the aircraft themselves, but also a comprehensive capability package, including simulation systems for pilots and maintenance technicians, spare parts, ground support equipment, and logistics and maintenance support for six years, starting from the delivery of the first aircraft, scheduled for 2028.
From the G2G agreement to the supply contract
While Leonardo’s announcement marks the program’s entry into its execution phase, Austria’s decision to acquire the M-346 had been taken earlier. In December 2024, the two countries signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) as part of a broader effort to deepen bilateral defense cooperation. This was followed in May 2025 by the conclusion of a Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement between Austria and Italy, establishing the political, financial and industrial foundations for the acquisition of 12 aircraft, with an option for up to 12 additional units.
This G2G framework enabled Austria to move forward with a program considered critical to closing the capability gap created by the retirement of the Saab 105 in 2020, while ensuring a high degree of transparency, predictability and industrial cooperation between the two states.
M-346 F Block 20 configuration: advanced training and light fighter role
The aircraft will be delivered in the new M-346 F Block 20 configuration, corresponding to the light fighter (Fighter Attack) variant of Italy’s advanced jet trainer. This standard introduces significant enhancements compared to earlier versions, including:
Fully renewed digital cockpit, featuring Large Area Displays (LAD) for both crew membersAESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar with fire control capabilityLink 16 tactical data linkSelf-protection and electronic countermeasure systemsIntegration of new air-to-air and air-to-ground weapon systems
The selected configuration allows the M-346 to fulfill a dual role, combining advanced combat pilot training with operational capabilities for air policing, slow mover interception, close air support, interdiction and low-intensity air defense missions, including aerial refueling capability.
Integrated training system and LVC capabilities
The contract includes a fully integrated advanced training system, encompassing full mission simulators, unit-level training devices, planning and debriefing stations, and Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) capabilities. This architecture enables the combination of real flights with virtual and constructive scenarios, reducing operating costs while increasing tactical realism.
This approach had already been positively assessed by Austria through its participation in the International Flight Training School (IFTS) at Decimomannu Air Base in Italy, where the M-346 serves as the core platform of the training system. The experience gained in that environment directly influenced the final aircraft selection.
USAF to Train Fighter Pilots in Italy for the First Time
Complementing the Eurofighter and a two-fleet structure
The introduction of the M-346 F Block 20 forms part of a broader process to modernize Austria’s air capabilities, which also includes the upgrade of the Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 1 fleet, against the backdrop of a deteriorating European security environment following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Austrian Eurofighter Tranche 1.
Within this framework, Austria will move toward a two-fleet structure, with the Eurofighter assuming high-intensity air defense missions, while the M-346 takes on secondary tasks, easing the operational burden on supersonic fighters and ensuring an efficient transition toward high-performance aircraft.
Continued industrial cooperation with Italy
Leonardo emphasized that the contract builds on an already consolidated bilateral relationship, following the signing in 2022 and 2023 of agreements for the supply of 36 AW169M LUH helicopters to the Austrian Ministry of Defense. In this context, the M-346 program further strengthens industrial and operational synergies between the two countries and opens the door to future cooperation in support, training and system evolution.
Austria purchased 18 additional Leonardo AW169M helicopters
Commenting on the agreement, Stefano Bortoli, Managing Director of Leonardo’s Aeronautics Division, stated that the program confirms the international competitiveness of the M-346 system, highlighting its suitability for scenarios requiring operational versatility, interoperability, increasing digitalization and efficient defense asset management.
A system with a strong international track record
With this contract, the M-346 consolidates its position as one of the most successful advanced training systems worldwide, with close to 160 aircraft sold and more than 150,000 flight hours accumulated. At present, 20 countries use the M-346 for advanced training or have selected it in its light multirole fighter configuration.
The system trains pilots destined to operate fourth-, fifth- and future-generation platforms, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, the F-35, and upcoming next-generation combat air systems, confirming its role as a key element within modern air power training and force projection ecosystems.