Austria to purchase 12 Leonardo M-346FA aircraft

Austria will purchase 12 Leonardo M-346FA aircraft in the light multi-role fighter version.

This was reported by the Austrian Ministry of Defense.

These aircraft will replace the Saab 105 training aircraft, which were withdrawn from service in 2020.

It is reported that the choice in favor of the M-346FA was made on the recommendation of the Austrian General Staff. Negotiations with the Italian government are currently underway to conclude a contract.

The funds required for the purchase have already been planned and approved in 2022 in the multi-year army development plan ÖBH 2032+.

As part of the new contract, the Austrian Ministry of Defense wants to involve Austrian industry in the implementation of this order.

«By purchasing the aircraft, we are closing a significant gap in the capabilities of our air force. This not only brings 100 percent of the training of our pilots back to Austria, but also significantly strengthens air defense. This strengthens the protection of Austria, the Austrian population and our neutrality against threats from the air», – said Defense Minister Claudia Tanner.

Austria's plans to jointly purchase Leonardo M-346 aircraft with Italy were announced in September 2024. However, at that time, plans were reported to be for training versions of the aircraft. Joint procurement with the Italian government was one of Leonardo's requirements. It will also significantly reduce the cost of acquiring new aircraft.

The new combat aircraft will complement the air fleet of 18 Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 1 fighters received by Austria during 2007-2009.

Leonardo M-346FA

The M-346FA is a light multi-role fighter aircraft based on the M-346 trainer aircraft. It is capable of both air support of friendly forces and airspace protection missions.

The aircraft is equipped with the Grifo-M-346 X-band multi-mode Doppler radar with mechanical scanning, developed by Leonardo and optimized for the M-346FA. This radar is capable of detecting not only air but also ground targets.

The M-346FA can use various types of weapons and external loads, including air-to-air munitions and «air-to-surface», gun pods, as well as reconnaissance and targeting pods.

However, in the basic configuration, the aircraft integrates air-to-air missiles, short-range AIM-9L, 227 kg unguided bombs and Israeli 227 kg laser-guided bombs Lizard 2. However, at the request of the customer, the manufacturer provides for the integration of a wide range of weapons. Including high-precision bombs, including glide bombs, IRIS-T air-to-air missiles, medium-range air-to-air missiles and Brimstone air-to-ground missiles.