Indonesia Signs LOI With Leonardo for M-346 F Block 20
Indonesia and Italian defense company Leonardo have signed a Letter of Intent with PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia and the Ministry of Defence for the M-346 F Block 20 aircraft, aimed at meeting advanced training and light combat roles for the Indonesian Air Force, officials said at the Singapore Airshow 2026.
The agreement follows Jakarta’s selection of the M-346 platform to support operational training and replace ageing trainers in its fleet.
Letter of Intent Details
The LOI outlines cooperation on supply, training, and in-country support for the M-346 F Block 20 variant. It includes provisions for local maintenance, overhaul, pilot training, and workforce development in Indonesia. The parties said they will move toward a full procurement contract.
M-346 F Block 20 Platform Capabilities
The M-346 F Block 20 is the fighter-trainer version of Leonardo’s advanced jet trainer. It pairs pilot training features with light combat capabilities including sensors, weapons systems, and tactical data links. The aircraft’s cockpit has large area displays and advanced avionics, and the Block 20 standard incorporates digital upgrades to enhance mission flexibility.
According to Leonardo, the M-346 series has more than 150,000 flight hours logged and has been selected by some 20 countries worldwide for training and operational roles.
Strategic Context for Indonesia
Indonesia is in a broader phase of modernizing its air force fleet. Advanced trainer and light combat platforms help bridge training gaps and support transition to more capable fighters, while also replacing older types such as the BAE Systems Hawk.
Localizing maintenance and training support can strengthen Indonesia’s defense industrial base and human capital, officials said.
M-346 in the Global Market
The M-346 has been marketed globally as an advanced jet trainer with optional light fighter capability. In December 2025, Leonardo signed a contract with Austria to supply 12 M-346 F Block 20 aircraft under a government-to-government agreement, with deliveries slated from 2028.
Block 20 updates are part of Leonardo’s broader strategy to keep the M-346 competitive with modern training and operational requirements, including advanced avionics, integrated training systems, and enhanced networking capabilities.
What Comes Next
Officials said discussions will now continue toward finalizing a procurement contract. Neither Indonesia nor Leonardo has released specifics on numbers or delivery timelines.
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