Austria Finalizes €1.5 Billion Deal for 12 Leonardo M-346FA Aircraft: Boosting Advanced Jet Training and Light Attack Capabilities
Vienna, December 2 - In a landmark move to modernize its air force, Austria has officially sealed a €1.5 billion government-to-government agreement with Italy for the acquisition of 12 Leonardo M-346FA light combat aircraft. Announced on November 29, 2025, by Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner and Economy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer, the deal replaces the retired Saab 105 fleet, which left a void in domestic pilot training since 2020. This strategic procurement not only restores Austria's self-reliant jet training pipeline but also equips the nation with versatile platforms for light-attack missions, enhancing overall aerial readiness amid evolving European security dynamics. Deliveries are slated to commence in 2028 at Hörsching Air Base in Linz, where the aircraft will integrate seamlessly into the Austrian Armed Forces' operations.
The M-346FA, a dual-role variant of Leonardo's renowned M-346 Master advanced jet trainer, stands out for its fusion of cutting-edge training and combat functionalities. This subsonic, fly-by-wire jet features a sophisticated Grifo-M346 multimode radar for superior target acquisition and airspace surveillance, alongside seven hardpoints capable of carrying up to three tons of NATO-compatible munitions, including IRIS-T air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and unguided rockets. Pilots benefit from a state-of-the-art cockpit with head-up displays, multifunction screens, and hands-on-throttle-and-stick controls, complemented by the Pilot Aid and Recovery System for enhanced safety. Its Embedded Tactical Training System simulates real-world scenarios, enabling Live-Virtual-Constructive exercises that bridge simulators and live flights, making it an ideal lead-in fighter trainer for transitioning to high-end platforms like the Eurofighter Typhoon.
This acquisition implements Austria's innovative two-fleet strategy, reserving Eurofighters for high-intensity air defense while deploying the M-346FAs for advanced training, domestic patrols, and close air support to ground forces. By repatriating pilot instruction from overseas facilities in Italy and Germany, the jets will cut long-term costs, boost operational availability, and foster greater sovereignty in a neutrality-conscious nation. The package encompasses essential support elements, including a full-mission simulator, unit-level training devices, helmet-mounted displays, and identification friend-or-foe interrogators, ensuring rapid integration and sustained performance.
Beyond military enhancement, the deal underscores robust economic collaboration, channeling approximately €400 million in industrial offsets back to Austrian firms through joint ventures in aviation tech, maintenance, digitalization, and research. Partnerships with Leonardo will spur innovations in simulation, materials, and sensors, securing high-skilled jobs and reinforcing domestic supply chains. As Europe navigates geopolitical uncertainties, Austria's M-346FA investment exemplifies a balanced approach to defense: agile, cost-effective, and industrially symbiotic, positioning the alpine republic as a proactive player in continental security.
