JAKARTA – Indonesia has agreed to purchase Italian-made M-346 Master trainer jets and Russian-made Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum jet fighters, signing Letters of Intent (LoIs) during the Singapore Airshow.
M-346 Acquisition
A LoI was signed between Leonardo, PT E-System Solutions Indonesia, and the Indonesian Ministry of Defense (MoD) for the supply and support of the Leonardo M-346 F Block 20 aircraft. The agreement aims to meet operational requirements of the Indonesian Air Force and contribute to the MoD’s fleet modernization plan, potentially replacing aging Hawk aircraft.
While the exact number of jet trainers wasn’t disclosed, social media reports indicate a potential order for 24 with an option for 12 more. The LoI also encompasses the localization of support, maintenance, overhaul, training, and human capital development.
Indonesia currently operates British-made BAe System Hawk 109/209 and Korean-made Korean Aerospace T-50 aircraft in similar roles. The M-346 F Block 20 will feature a Large Area Display (LAD), active electronically scanned (AESA) radar, a Link 16 data-link, electronic countermeasures, and new weapons systems.
Leonardo’s platform also provides an integrated advanced flight training system, including a Ground Based Training System (GBTS), combined simulated elements, and Live, Virtual and Constructive (LVC) scenarios, alongside light combat capabilities for air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, including aerial refueling.
Air Chief Marshal Muhammad Tonny Harjono, chief of staff of the Indonesian Air Force, visited Leonardo’s facility in Milan, Italy, on July 11 to observe the production of the AW189 heavy helicopter and M346 F Block 20. A contract for six AW189 helicopters was signed at the 2024 Indo Defense in Jakarta on June 11, 2025.
MiG-29 Acquisition
PT ESS also signed an LoI to acquire MiG-29 UB/C aircraft, intended for use in an aggressor squadron. An aggressor squadron simulates enemy forces during military wargames.
According to a LinkedIn post from PT ESS, the squadron will consist of modernized MiG-29C/UB aircraft paired with Unmanned Aggressor High Subsonic Aerial Targets, utilizing manned/unmanned combat training scenarios. This will be Indonesia’s first fully dedicated aggressor squadron utilizing advanced technologies and software for complex tactical engagement.
Mikoyan continues to upgrade its MiG-29 line, currently producing newer variants such as the navalized MiG-29K, multirole MiG-29M, and the advanced MiG-35.
CAATSA Concerns
Indonesia previously signed a US$1.14 billion contract in 2018 to purchase 11 Sukhoi Su-35 Super Flanker jet fighters, but the contract has remained inactive due to concerns over potential United States sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversary Through Sanction Act (CAATSA), which penalizes countries purchasing Russian-made weapons systems.
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