Austria Modernizes Air Force with $1.7 Billion Leonardo M-346F Jet Deal
In a move that significantly strengthens its national sovereignty and airspace monitoring capabilities, the Austrian Ministry of Defense officially signed a landmark contract on Thursday with Italian defense giant Leonardo. The agreement secures the purchase of 12 M-346F Block 20 light combat aircraft, marking a pivotal chapter in the modernization of the Austrian Air Force.
The deal is valued at approximately $1.7 billion (€1.6 billion). This comprehensive investment goes beyond the procurement of airframes, encompassing a robust package that includes advanced flight simulators, pilot and technician training, and long-term logistical support to ensure the fleet’s operational readiness for decades to come.
Closing the Capability Gap
The acquisition addresses a critical strategic vulnerability that has persisted since the retirement of the Saab 105OE fleet in 2020. For the past five years, Austria has lacked a dedicated “Lead-In Fighter Trainer” (LIFT), forcing a reliance on expensive Eurofighter Typhoons for basic air policing and pilot transition training.
“Today we ensure that our neutrality is backed by modern technology,” stated Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner during the signing ceremony. “The M-346F is the perfect bridge for our pilots, providing a high-tech platform that is both economically efficient and tactically capable.”
The Power of the M-346F Block 20
The “Block 20” variant selected by Austria is the most sophisticated version of the M-346 family. While primarily a trainer, the “F” designation signifies its enhanced combat capabilities. The aircraft features a digital cockpit, a state-of-the-art modular mission computer, and the Grifo-M346 multi-mode radar.
These technical specifications allow the jet to perform dual roles:
- Advanced Training: Preparing pilots for the complexities of 5th-generation warfare.
- Light Combat & Air Policing: Identifying and intercepting slow-moving or low-flying targets at a fraction of the hourly flight cost of a heavy fighter jet.
The aircraft’s ability to carry air-to-air missiles and precision-guided munitions provides Austria with a flexible response tool for modern security threats.
Timeline and Economic Impact
The first of the 12 aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2028. In the interim, Austrian personnel will begin integrated training sessions at Leonardo’s facilities in Italy. This “Government-to-Government” (G2G) agreement also fosters deeper industrial cooperation between Vienna and Rome, building on previous successful collaborations involving the AW169M helicopter program.
Industry experts note that by choosing the M-346F, Austria joins an elite group of nations including Singapore, Israel, and Italy that utilize this platform. For Austria, the move represents more than just a purchase; it is a long-term commitment to maintaining a credible, independent air defense posture in an increasingly uncertain European security landscape.
As the 2028 delivery date approaches, the Austrian Air Force prepares to transition into a new era of digital aviation, ensuring its skies remain secure through the mid-21st century.
