The M-346 would provide Indonesia with combat capabilities and advanced pilot training, with first deliveries expected from 2030. (Leonardo pic)
MILAN: Indonesia has ordered twelve light combat aircraft from Leonardo as the country strengthens its air defence system, the Italian aircraft manufacturer and local partner PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia announced Tuesday.
The procurement order for the dozen M-346 F ‘Block 20’ aircraft, a top-selling Leonardo item, follows the signing in 2022 of an US$8.1 billion contract between Indonesia and French firm Dassault for 42 Rafale fighter jets.
The M-346 “will provide both multi-role combat capabilities and an advanced training platform for Indonesian pilots,” Leonardo stated, with first deliveries expected from 2030.
No value was disclosed for the order, but an Austrian order for twelve identical aircraft in late 2025 was reported in the media to be worth €1.5 billion.
More than 170 M-346 aircraft have already been ordered, and Indonesia will become the 23rd nation to operate it, Leonardo said.
Indonesia has additionally signed a letter of intent to buy AW149 multi-role helicopters for its navy, intended for search and rescue missions as well as civil protection duties.
