Indonesia Orders New Fighter Trainer Aircraft

Leonardo and PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia have signed a contract to provide Indonesia's Ministry of Defence with 12 Leonardo M-346 F "Block 20" multirole light fighter aircraft, meeting Indonesian Air Force operational requirements. The contract includes localisation of support, maintenance, overhaul and training capabilities, plus human capital development. Deliveries are expected to start in 2030.

The programme contributes to Indonesia's aircraft fleet modernization plan. The M-346 F Block 20 will provide multirole combat capabilities and training for Indonesian pilots. Indonesia will be the 23rd user of the M-346, and the contract introduces the "Block 20" standard in Asia, following Europe and North America.

The M-346 F "Block 20" configuration includes a Large Area Display, active electronically scanned radar, a Link 16 data-link, electronic countermeasures, and new weapons systems, plus a Ground Based Training System combining simulated scenarios with real flights, and light combat capabilities for air-to-air and air-to-surface missions.

The M-346 has logged over 170,000 flight hours, with more than 170 aircraft ordered, and has been selected by 23 users to train pilots.