Indonesia Buys 12 Leonardo M-346 F Block 20 Aircraft From Italy

Leonardo M-346 F Block 20 Contract

Contract Finalization and Strategic Rationale

The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has officially signed a contract with Italian aerospace manufacturer Leonardo to procure 12 M-346 F “Block 20” aircraft. This procurement, carried out in collaboration with local partner PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia, serves as a formal follow-up to a Letter of Intent (LOI) initially announced in February 2026. The announcement of the signed contract was made public by Leonardo and its partner on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

According to the Head of the Defense Information Bureau (Karo Infohan) at the Ministry of Defense, Brigjen TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait, the acquisition is a calculated move to modernize the Indonesian Air Force. Sirait confirmed that the ministry carries out the procurement of defense equipment based on the operational needs of the TNI in the context of state defense modernization. Program tersebut ditujukan untuk mendukung kebutuhan pelatihan pilot tingkat lanjut sekaligus kesiapan operasional TNI Angkatan Udara, seiring akan dioperasikannya berbagai alutsista berteknologi modern, said Sirait. He added that the M-346 F Block 20 was chosen because its specifications and capabilities align with the air defense doctrine adopted by the TNI.

Technical Capabilities of the M-346 F Block 20

Technical Capabilities of the M-346 F Block 20

The “Block 20” configuration represents a versatile platform serving as both a multi-role combat aircraft and an advanced trainer. According to Leonardo, the standard configuration for the Indonesian units includes a cockpit equipped with a Large Area Display (LAD), an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a Link 16 data-link, electronic warfare systems, and new weapon systems. The aircraft also features an integrated Ground Based Training System (GBTS), which combines simulation scenarios with actual flight according to Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) logic.

CEO of Leonardo, Lorenzo Mariani, stated that the introduction of the M-346 F in Indonesia serves as evidence of the inherent quality of the aircraft system and the increasing trust of the country in their capabilities. He emphasized that the company is committed to expanding its contribution to the country’s long-term aerospace and defense development roadmap.

Industrial Cooperation and Future Deliveries

Industrial Cooperation and Future Deliveries

The agreement extends beyond the physical delivery of aircraft. The procurement plan includes the localization of various support capabilities, maintenance, major repairs, training, and human resource development. This approach is intended to ensure the readiness of the defense industry to support the aircraft throughout their lifecycle.

While the Indonesian government and Leonardo have not disclosed the specific financial value of the contract, European media reports regarding similar orders—such as the Austrian order for 12 M-346 units in late 2025—estimate the cost as a significant investment. With this latest contract, Indonesia becomes the 23rd country to operate the M-346, joining a fleet of more than 170 units ordered globally. The new aircraft will complement the TNI AU’s existing modern fleet, which includes Rafale jets that began filling Skadron Udara 12 in early 2026.

Farnborough International Airshow AW149 Procurement

Parallel Procurement: The AW149 Helicopter Interest

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow in England, the Ministry of Defense signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Leonardo for the potential procurement of AW149 helicopters. The signing was witnessed by the Inspector General of the Ministry of Defense, Letjen Rui Fernando Guedes Palmeiras Duerte.

The AW149 is a medium multi-role military helicopter with a maximum weight of 8.6 tons, capable of transporting up to 16 fully armed personnel and reaching speeds of up to 310 kilometers per hour. Produced in Casoria, Naples, Italy, the helicopter is designed for all-weather operations with flexible configurations to support search and rescue (SAR) missions, medical evacuations, and close air support. Brigjen TNI Rico Ricardo Sirait noted that the LOI for the Navy helicopters serves as a preliminary stage of exploration, encompassing plans for technical support, maintenance, training, and the development of domestic defense industry capabilities.