Leonardo’s M-346 could join the Indonesian Air Force in the future, serving as an advanced jet trainer/lead-in fighter trainer, as well as a light combat aircraft.
On 4 February, at the Singapore Airshow, Leonardo announced the signing of a letter of intent with PT ESystem Solutions Indonesia and the country’s Ministry of Defence for the supply and support of M-346F Block 20 aircraft.
The announcement stated that the parties will now advance to the next stage of discussions, which are aimed at finalising a procurement contract.
No purchase quantity was disclosed. While early reports suggested discussions for 18 aircraft, a 3 February report by Intelligence Online – citing documents it had reviewed – stated the deal covers 24 aircraft with an option for an additional twelve.
In a visit to Leonardo’s facilities in Italy in July last year, Air Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, had inspected the M-346 production line.
An Indonesian Air Force statement accompanying the visit noted that “this advanced jet trainer platform is one of the references in strengthening the fighter pilot education programme, as well as developing operational readiness”.
If followed through, Indonesia will become the second country in Asia-Pacific to acquire the M-346 aircraft. The first was Singapore, which operates twelve aircraft from Cazaux Air Base, France as part of its Advanced Jet Training Detachment.
The M-346 Block 20 is offered in two variants: the dedicated trainer “T” model and the “F” version, which combines training and light fighter capabilities. Notably, Indonesia has opted for the M-346F, likely to meet its advanced trainer needs while addressing its fighter shortfall across a sprawling archipelago with multiple security hotspots.
The M-346F Block 20 is the latest evolution of the trainer, first unveiled in 2024. It features a large area display cockpit, an active electronically scanned array radar, Link 16 data link, electronic countermeasures and new weapon systems. These all enhance its capabilities as a light combat aircraft.
The M-346 also leverages a mature integrated advanced flight training system, featuring a ground-based training system that utilises live, virtual and constructive training.
It is also worth noting that Indonesia had at one stage considered the M-346 to replace its elderly BAE Systems Hawk 53 trainers. In the event, the Korea Aerospace Industries T-50i was selected, with 16 ordered in 2011 and a further six in 2021. Three T-50i aircraft have been involved in accidents over the years.
The potential M-346F Block 20 order would allow Indonesia to replace its fleet of BAE Hawk 109/209 trainers and light attack aircraft that have been in service since the 1990s.
Early last month, the Indonesian Air Force’s 12th Air Squadron retired the type as it transitions to the Dassault Rafale fighter, leaving the 1st Air Squadron as the only unit still operating the Hawk.
The first three Rafales arrived at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base in Pekanbaru, Riau on 23 January.
by Roy Choo
