Austria’s federal government has signed a contract to buy 12 Leonardo M-346F Block 20 light combat aircraft for the Austrian Air Force, the Ministry of Defense and Leonardo confirmed in Rome on December 17, 2025. The aircraft will play a key role in Austria’s future air defense and pilot training programs, with the first deliveries expected in 2028.
New Acquisition for Air Defense and Training
Under the government-to-government agreement with Italy, Austria has contracted Leonardo to supply a fleet of 12 M-346F Block 20 light fighter and advanced trainer aircraft to the Luftstreitkräfte. The deal also includes training systems, simulator equipment for pilots and maintenance crews, spare parts, ground support gear and six years of logistical backing following first delivery.
The contract marks a significant step in modernizing Austria’s air capabilities. It follows earlier procurement cooperation between Vienna and Rome, such as recent orders for AW169M light utility helicopters.
What Are M-346F Block 20 Aircraft
The M-346F Block 20 represents a light combat version of Leonardo’s M-346 advanced jet trainer. It combines pilot training capabilities with multirole light strike functions. The aircraft features modern avionics including a large area display in the cockpit, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a Link 16 datalink and electronic countermeasures. It can operate air-to-air and air-to-surface systems, extending its role beyond pure training.
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This mixed-role design allows the Austrian Air Force to use the M-346F for advanced pilot training and lower-intensity combat tasks, freeing up heavier fighters for more demanding missions.
Contract Details and Delivery Schedule
The signed agreement covers aircraft delivered in a light fighter configuration under the M-346F Block 20 standard. In addition to the jets, the package includes complete simulation systems, spare parts, ground equipment, and six years of maintenance support counted from the first delivery, scheduled for 2028.
Austria’s choice of the M-346F follows international interest in light fighter aircraft, a market driven by nations seeking more versatile and cost-effective air platforms. The new aircraft will replace older training jets and handle missions that do not require full-size fighter jets.
Training and Support Elements
The contract anticipates a broad training setup that goes beyond aircraft delivery. It will include advanced simulation tools for pilots and maintenance personnel. This integrated training capability is designed to improve readiness and ensure that Austrian crews can fully exploit the aircraft’s multirole functions.
Such systems are part of Leonardo’s broader offering for the M-346 family, which integrates live, virtual and constructive training environments. These tools help pilots transition more effectively from training to operational missions.
Strategic Context and Force Structure
Austria retired its Saab 105 jets in 2020, leaving a gap in advanced jet training that was partly handled abroad. The acquisition of the M-346F aims to bring that training function back within national reach and enhance Austria’s air sovereignty.
In recent years, Austria has also operated Eurofighter Typhoons for air policing. While capable, those aircraft are costly to fly and maintain. The M-346F’s addition brings a complementary asset that is more economical for routine missions, while preserving Typhoons for higher-end tasks.
What Comes Next
With the contract signed and the delivery timeline set, final preparations will now focus on aircraft production schedules and domestic integration plans. Austria will work with Leonardo and Italian partners to ensure infrastructure, training pipelines, and support services are in place ahead of first deliveries.
As the Austrian Air Force transitions to the new platform, the M-346F fleet is expected to enhance national airspace defense and improve pilot training efficiency. These improvements could also strengthen bilateral defense ties between Austria and Italy.
