Defense & Military
Austria Acquires 12 Leonardo M-346 F Block 20 Aircraft for Air Training
Austria signs a €1.5 billion contract with Leonardo for 12 M-346 F Block 20 jets to restore pilot training and enhance air policing capabilities.
This article is based on an official press release from Leonardo and additional contract details released by the Austrian Ministry of Defence.
The Austrian Ministry of Defence has officially signed a government-to-government (G2G) agreement with Italy for the acquisition of 12 Leonardo M-346 F Block 20 Military-Aircraft. The deal, finalized on December 17, 2025, marks a significant modernization effort for the Austrian Air Force (Luftstreitkräfte), aiming to fill the capability gap left by the retirement of the Saab 105 fleet in 2020.
According to the official press release from Leonardo, the Contracts was signed by the Italian Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness on behalf of Austria. The agreement encompasses not only the aircraft but a comprehensive support package designed to restore Austria’s ability to train pilots domestically.
Stefano Bortoli, Managing Director of Leonardo’s Aircraft Division, highlighted the significance of the deal in a company statement:
“We’re extremely proud of the launch of Austria’s M-346 programme… This programme confirms the international competitiveness of the M-346 system. It responds to the need for operational versatility dictated by today’s scenarios.”
The acquisition is valued at approximately €1.5 billion, a figure that includes the 12 aircraft, a Ground-Based Training System (GBTS), full-mission simulators, and a six-year logistics and maintenance support package. Deliveries of the new fleet are scheduled to begin in 2028, with the aircraft to be stationed at Linz-Hörsching Air Base.
This procurement is critical for Austria’s “Two-Fleet Strategy.” Since retiring the Saab 105, the Austrian Air Force has relied solely on the Eurofighter Typhoon for air policing, a high-cost solution for lower-intensity missions. Furthermore, Austrian pilots have been forced to train abroad in Italy and Germany. This contract aims to repatriate 100% of pilot Training to Austria.
Austrian Defence Minister Klaudia Tanner emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition:
“With the purchase of these jets, we are closing a significant capability gap in our air force. This not only brings 100% of our pilot training back to Austria, but also significantly strengthens air defence.”
Austria will serve as the lead customer for the M-346 F “Block 20” standard. While the M-346 is widely known as an advanced jet trainer, the “F” (Fighter) variant transforms the platform into a capable light combat aircraft. The Block 20 configuration introduces significant Avionics and sensor upgrades comparable to frontline fighters. According to technical specifications released regarding the deal, the Block 20 variant replaces traditional multi-function displays with a Large Area Display (LAD), a single wide touchscreen interface similar to that found in the F-35. The cockpit also features a Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) system and advanced voice command capabilities to reduce pilot workload.
The aircraft will be equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar-Systems, providing superior target detection compared to mechanical radars. For interoperability with NATO partners, the jets will feature Link 16 tactical data links. In terms of armament, the fleet will be integrated with IRIS-T infrared-guided missiles, laser-guided bombs, and a 20mm cannon pod, allowing the M-346 to handle air policing duties against slow-moving targets and border patrol missions.
The selection of the M-346 F allows Austria to implement a “High/Low Mix” strategy. By offloading training and low-intensity intercept missions to the M-346, which costs roughly €10,000 per flight hour to operate, the Air Force can preserve the airframe life of its Eurofighter Typhoons, which are significantly more expensive to fly. This approach mirrors strategies used by other European air forces to balance operational readiness with budget constraints.
A central component of the G2G agreement is a parallel industrial cooperation deal intended to boost the Austrian economy. Austrian Economy Minister Wolfgang Hattmannsdorfer stated that the agreement ensures tax revenue flows back into domestic value creation.
“With the cooperation, an investment volume of around 400 million euros returns to Austria. This strengthens industry, enables new research projects and secures jobs.”
The cooperation focuses on aerospace engineering, digitalization, and maintenance, ensuring that local Austrian companies are integrated into the supply chain for the aircraft’s sustainment.
Why did Austria choose the M-346? When will the aircraft arrive? Does this replace the Eurofighter? What is the “Block 20” upgrade?
Austria Selects Leonardo M-346 F Block 20 to Restore Air Training Sovereignty
Contract Scope and Delivery Timeline
Technical Specifications: The “Block 20” Standard
Advanced Avionics and Connectivity
Combat Capabilities
AirPro News Analysis
Industrial Cooperation and Economic Impact
Frequently Asked Questions
The M-346 fills a specific gap left by the Saab 105. It serves as both an advanced trainer and a light fighter, allowing Austria to train pilots domestically and conduct cost-effective air policing missions.
Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2028.
No. The M-346 complements the Eurofighter as part of a “Two-Fleet Strategy.” The Eurofighter remains the primary platform for high-intensity supersonic interception, while the M-346 handles training and lower-intensity tasks.
Block 20 is the latest standard for the M-346, featuring an AESA radar, Large Area Display cockpit, Helmet Mounted Display, and compatibility with modern weapons like the IRIS-T missile.
Sources
Photo Credit: Leonardo